Are you speaking encouraging words? I love to be encouraged and I need encouragement. And I will be honest with you – I don’t like to be around discouraging people, but sometimes I have to. It comes with the territory. The fleas come with the dog. Discouragement opens the door for other sins and failures. II Corinthians 1:2-4 says, “Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of […]
In my years of ministry, I have been with numerous people as they left this life to enter into eternity. None have called for their accountant or their bankbooks. They only call for their family members, friends, and their God. At the end of life we all realize the only thing that really matters is our relationships. Ultimately, the most important is the relationship we have with our God. God created a special garden He called Eden, and placed the first man […]
It was around 1981-1982 that I decided to quit my job and pursue the full-time ministry of an Evangelist. I had been taught by my Pastor that you never make major changes without prayer and fasting. I had a wife and two children at this time (my youngest was not yet born), and making this decision was serious because it would affect their lives greatly. I had to know it was God directing me. I took a few days off from […]
The greatest battleground in your life is between your ears. Scripture clearly states that as a man thinks, so is he. The Apostle Paul wrote that the way to transform your life and find God’s perfect will is to transform your thinking to God’s way. (Romans 12:1-2) Our right choices allow His Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and make us a child of God. This is what scripture calls “born again”. It is clear that the battle between Good and Evil […]
Adrian Rogers told the story of a man who was going to be made CEO of a major company. The Board of Directors talked about it, and it was decided. In the company cafeteria one day, the existing CEO was behind this man in line. Unbeknownst to the man, the CEO saw him take a pat of butter that cost about 3 cents, then put a slice of bread over the butter so that no one would see it. The CEO […]
They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:22 Something about the comfort and safety of the boat makes it hard to leave! After Noah had floated in the ark for months, God caused the floodwaters to recede and directed Noah and his family to leave their haven of refuge. Surely Noah wondered what it would be like outside the ark. Peter, too, knew the safety of the boat. But one day Jesus challenged him to leave the known […]
Wouldn’t you like to have a filter inn your brain that filters what’s important and what’s not? Well, you do. It’s called the “Reticular Activation System” or RAS. It’s the part of your brain that automatically filters out what is not important to you, and brings your attention to the things that are. We all have it. A Mother will tell you that they can pick out their own child’s voice among the noise of many children. Dad can be snoring so loud […]
It was around 1981-1982 that I decided to quit my job and pursue the full-time ministry of an Evangelist. I had been taught by my Pastor that you never make major changes without prayer and fasting. I had a wife and two children at this time (my youngest was not yet born), and making this decision was serious because it would affect their lives greatly. I had to know it was God directing me. I took a few days off from […]
It is such a joy when someone saves a place for us. We walk into a crowded room wondering how we’re going to find a seat, and someone across the way waves us over; pointing to a chair they’ve held especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus’ words in John 14:2—”I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” Christ promises that He is […]
Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”? Why is “abbreviated” such a long word? Why is it that doctors call what they do “practice”? Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes? You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?! Why […]
If you want to live a life that matters and has the Peace of God in it, learn to know what to bury and what to remember. This Poem I often read at funerals says much about what is important. A time has come when my life on earth has ceased. I ask you my family and friends, remember these special things: Bury my body, but don’t bury my beliefs. Bury my heart, but don’t bury my love. Bury my eyes, but […]
An atheist neighbor came over to speak to the old farmer as he worked in his garden. He told the farmer, “I don’t believe in your God and if he did exist he wouldn’t be that smart. See that little vine with that great big watermelon on it, and that great big oak branch with that little bitty acorn on it? Good sense says the watermelon should be on the big branch and the acorn on the little vine.” About that […]
Several years back, I read where an Oregon Middle School was having problems with some girls. They were putting lipstick on and kissing the bathroom mirrors. The principal finally gathered the girls they believed responsible (Police Work J), and stood them before the kissed mirrors. The principal then said, “Please help me stop this problem. It’s so hard for our janitor to clean this off. Watch, I’ll show you.” Then the janitor promptly dipped his mop in the toilet and began scrubbing […]
It is said that you can take a 4”x4” block of wood and place it in front of a Steam Engine Train and it cannot move. But let it build up its speed to 50 mph and it can plow through a 10’x10’ steel reinforced block of concrete. That is the power of Momentum. Obstacles are a part of life we all deal with, but those that are successful in Life are people that keep momentum going in the right direction. With […]
A while back someone sent me a gift certificate of $400 to buy a suit. I never wore a $400 anything in my life! Believe me my children let me know they can see that. The generous gift allowed me to purchase two suits and some accessories. I haven’t found out who gave the gift. I have operated my gift of suspicion, but it was never confirmed to me. Whoever did this understood the principle of doing things secretly and being rewarded […]
In 1952, Florence Chadwick stepped into the waters of the Pacific Ocean off Catalina Island, determined to swim to the shore of mainland California. She’d already been the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways. The weather was foggy and chilly; she could hardly see the boats accompanying her. Still, she swam for fifteen hours. When she begged to be taken out of the water along the way, her mother, in a boat alongside, told her she was close and […]
A little boy was riding around and around the block on his tricycle. Somebody said, “Son what are you doing?” He said, “I am running away from home.” The man said, “But you’re just going around and around the block.” The little boy said, “Yes, Momma won’t let me cross the street!” Even when rebellion happens in the earliest ages, there is the restraint of parental training that is put in the heart of children. Today, we have a philosophy that says […]
Mary Christmas! I love Christmas! Christmas is a special time of the year for all Christians and many non-Christians. It is a time of fun, family and expressing our care for all mankind. It’s just a good time of year. Unfortunately, the trend is slowly moving to take Christ out of Christmas. Stores put on their signs, “Happy Holidays” because they don’t want to offend non-Christians. Some places even put “Merry Xmas” making sure that Christ is not on their marquee. I […]
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google. It’s a Biblical concept. In Proverbs 13:20, Solomon, the wise-guy, wrote: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” It’s just like your mother always told you – Be careful who you hang around; Be careful who you associate with; Guard who pours into your life. Don’t let just anyone […]
HONESTY IS NOT THE BEST POLICY… Years ago I went to a Christian school training, and I never forgot what one of the speakers said – “Honesty is not the best policy. It is the only policy.” If we allow ourselves an option, we will always find certain situations produce a convenience to be dishonest. Jesus Christ said He is Truth, and only Truth can really make a person free (Gospel of John ch. 8). Everyone may not favor you if you […]
A young preacher anxious to find a place to preach was finally invited to preach at the State Insane Asylum. He read his text then announced the title of his message as a question, “Why Are We All Here?” One of the inmates kept waving his hand and saying, “I know! I know!” Finally, out of frustration the young preacher called on him. He stood and said, “We are all here because we are not all there!” Jesus said He has gone […]
I told one of my grandsons the other day that he didn’t always have to be the best, but he did always have to do his best. I don’t remember where I first heard this axiom (a self-evident truth), but it is definitely sound advice. To do your best requires certain things in your life. One of the most important is a determined desire. Proof of desire is pursuit, but without consistency desire alone isn’t enough. In fact – Discipline, not Desire […]
We have all heard the expression “Going The Extra Mile,” which refers to acts of service that go beyond what is required or expected. What some may not know is that the expression comes from the Bible, when Jesus declares in his sermon on the mount – “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). The verse is a reference to the practice of “impressment,” which, among other things, allowed a Roman soldier to conscript a Jewish […]
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds – “What does love mean?” The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth. Billy – age ? Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and […]
I know this is a little different, but take the time to think through this very short quiz below. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series […]
While sitting, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it. While doing this, draw the number “6″ in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Someone smarter than me will have to explain why, but I do know there are some things we do that alters the way other things work in our lives. Jesus taught that He came to seek and to save us […]
If you have ever watched soldiers doing close-order drill on a parade field, you know how quickly they can reverse themselves and head in the opposite direction. If they attempt this while standing still, the command is “about face”. If they want to reverse while marching, the command is “to the rear, march”. In either case, there is an abrupt change leading in an entirely different direction. This is a good picture of what genuine repentance looks like. It means to change […]
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you” (Matthew 7:12). This passage is often described as the Golden Rule of the Bible. If practiced, it can change your life and even your world. Mahatma Ghandi was instrumental in India’s freedom by instituting the non-violent teachings of Christ – Ghandi was Hindu. Dr. Martin Luther King was a Baptist preacher that taught the same non-violent principles of the Prince of Peace, and changed the racial injustices of our nation. […]
By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon There is an old story of a king in Africa who had a close friend from his childhood. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking – “This is good!” One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of […]
NOTE: This is the last in the 4-part series of Walter Bright’s “Benefits of Genuine Worship.” I trust it has blessed you, as it does me. Our Police Chaplain Ronnie Melancon will be back in action next week, but please continue to share and support Walter Bright’s ministry. July 5, 2013·by walter bright· in Worship. · Worship increases spiritual strength and endurance in the life of the worshiper Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord […]
NOTE: Our Agency’s Chaplain is back, but I really want to share the rest of Walter Bright’s message “Benefits of Genuine Worship.” Please visit his site, as his ministry is a blessing. July 4, 2013·by walter bright· in Worship. · Freedom Reigns I want to thank the Lord because every opportunity we get to meet with him and worship him is an opportunity for him to release into our lives all of His goodness. I pray that on this independence day, we […]
NOTE: My Agency’s Chaplain Ronnie Melancon is back and thank God for blessing us with such a humble spiritual leader. I want to continue sharing Walter Bright’s message with you in this Part 2 of 4; Benefits of Genuine Worship. by walter bright · in Worship. · Every opportunity we have to meet with and worship God is an opportunity for God to release into our lives all of His goodness. When He shows up he comes with healing, deliverance and power. […]
NOTE: Our Police Department Chaplain has been on travel of late, so I want to take the opportunity to share the powerful message of Walter Bright’s blessings. God bless Pastor Ronnie Melancon, and we look forward to your return at the Bright Blue Line. Benefits of Genuine Worship/ Part 1 by walter bright I remember walking into service that Wednesday night just when the amen to the opening prayer was said. I sat down in the very back of the church, but […]
There are two primary Greek words in Scripture that are translated into word in the New Testament. The first, logos, refers principally to the total inspired Word of God and to Jesus, who is the living Logos. The following passages of Scripture give examples of the logos of God: “In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word [logos] was with God, and the Word [logos] was God” (John 1:1). “The seed is the word [logos] of God” (Luke 8:11). “Being born […]
Horatio G. Spafford was a Chicago Presbyterian layman. He was born in North Troy, New York on October 20, 1828. After graduating from college and passing the bar exam, he established a successful legal practice in Chicago. He enjoyed a very lucrative law practice, yet always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities. He was personally acquainted with D. L. Moody, and the other evangelical leaders of that era. George Stebbins, a noted Gospel musician of the day, described H. G. Spafford as “a man of […]
The young preacher finally had a chance to preach when he was asked to say a few words at an elderly gentlemen’s funeral. Using an allegory of a pecan he said, ”What we see here lying before us is only a shell. The old nut has gone.” Sometimes, what we really want to say doesn’t quite come out right. I can assure you that you will be leaving your present job. I can also assure you, that you will be leaving this […]
By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon We all have drawn, or at least received, a picture of a “Heart” as a symbol of love. We have said, “that breaks my heart” or “I surrender my heart,” but have you ever thought about what the “Heart” actually is. In scripture, the bible says the Lord looks at the heart. The heart of man is the center of his being. It is your Mind, Will, and Emotions. Your deepest Thoughts, Desires, and Feelings. It is who […]
Companion of Fools Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” Have you ever got into trouble because you were with someone not doing right? As a child, I received quite a whipping from my Dad because my older brother played with matches and caught a tree on fire. I was a victim of association. I was only watching. When his foolishness blew up, I caught the shrapnel. That’s what the wisdom […]
Are You a Creature I’ve known a few people who fit the Creature moniker better than others, but the truth is we are all creatures. We cannot think of anything or anyone not having a beginning. Creatures are created; Period! It is beyond my understanding to reasonably think there is no God, yet far more brilliant minds than mine reason that very thing – you may be one of them. It is because human reason cannot explain God. It is a Spiritual […]
John Ashcroft, former United States Attorney General, once delivered a powerful speech while speaking at Bob Jones University in 2001. He discusses choosing the source of your character in the following speech: A slogan of the American Revolution which was so distressing to the emissaries of the king that it was found in correspondence sent back to England, was the line, “We have no king but Jesus”. Tax collectors came, asking for that which belonged to the king, and colonists frequently said, “We […]
Editor’s Note: I loved this the first time I read it. Speaking with friends this weekend made me want to share it again. God bless them & you. By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon: Years ago I went to a Christian school training, and I never forgot what one of the speakers said – “Honesty is not the best policy. It is the only policy.” If we allow ourselves an option, we will always find certain situations produce a convenience to be dishonest. Jesus […]
Building Momentum For Your Life It is said that you can take a 4”x4” block of wood and place it in front of a steam engine train and it cannot move. Let that same train build up its speed to 50 mph, and it can blow through a 10’x10’ steel reinforced block of concrete. That is the power of momentum. Obstacles are a part of life; we all deal with them, but those that are successful in life are people who keep […]
Do You Want Justice Or Mercy A lady went to a photographer to have her picture taken. When she saw the finished product, she didn’t like it. She asked the photographer to take her picture again. The photographer said, “Well lady, what’s wrong with it?” She said, “It doesn’t do me justice.” He looked at it, then looked at her and said, “Lady, you don’t need justice, what you need is some mercy!” Which shall it be; Justice or Mercy Anyone ever […]
By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Louisiana, USA Years ago I read a true story of a beautiful little town in Maine. Because of a Hydroelectric plant being built, it would eventually be destroyed by flooding. The news media did a special report on the town, and pointed out its beauty. One year later, the media did a follow-up report before the city flooded. The once beautiful town now was dirty and run down. One of the reporters stopped a gentleman […]
By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Louisiana, USA Years ago I went to a John Maxwell Leadership Seminar. I was a young preacher looking to be more effective in helping people and leading the Church I pastor. From what I had heard, Maxwell was the man who could help me. On my arrival to the seminar, one of his opening remarks went like this: Methods are many, Principles are few. Methods always change, Principles never do. He then taught 10 […]
By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Wouldn’t you like to have a filter on your brain that helps filter what is and what isn’t important? Well, you do. It’s called the Reticular Activation System, or RAS. It’s the part of your brain that automatically filters out what isn’t important to you, and brings your attention to things that are important to you. We all have it. A mother can pick out their child’s voice among the noise of many other voices. […]
Know What To Do & When To Do It By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon From: Thibodaux Police Department Several years back, I read where an Oregon middle school was having problems with girls applying lipstick and kissing the bathroom mirrors. One day, the principal gathered the girls she believed to be involved, and stood them before the kissed mirrors. The principal told the girls, “Please help me to stop this problem. It is so hard for our janitor to clean this off. Watch, […]
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”