PLEASE SHARE to SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX
FIT@50 \ week 5 Legacy Building Talking with a newly promoted commander I encouraged him to consider how he wanted to be remembered. “Think about building your legacy today,” I said, “not on your deathbed.” He leapt to his feet and shared a movie scene he felt applied. Warring kings agreed to have their respective champions fight in their place. King A calls a giant, menacing soldier. King B calls a guy—who’d decided to sleep in that morning. An apprentice was dispatched […]
FIT@50 \ week 4: 1 hour – I was feeling a bit omniscient this week as my 25th year in law enforcement roared around. Sharing a few old stories with the guys helped me reflect on how incredibly different my life had turned out. Our historical journey migrated to a generational generalization. You know the one about, “kids now a days…” Seems the moment 8 hours of accrued leave is earned, some employees miraculously become ill for precisely 8 hours. Just then […]
the sacrifices are noble when offered with a sincere heart.
FIT@50 \ week 3 Empathy: It’s okay to care. No matter how “fit” I’ve become, minding my own business has always been my business. During the many years in special operations my job was to know other’s secrets. I was good at my job. Knowing the darkest moments in another person’s life is a cross of confidentiality I understood I’d carry to my grave. Over the years it might have even caused me to construct a wall around my empathetic understanding. During […]
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 […]
It is Well | Mother’s Day Last week I was blessed with a wonderful sermon about the Shumanite woman from 2 Kings 4:8-37. Her sacrifice, silent suffering, and faith reminded me of my mother – as I’m sure her character is similar to your moms’ also. Elisha asked about her child, and having just lost the young boy, she answered, “It is well, it is well.” Not that she wasn’t hurting, but her spirit, which transcended human understanding, was at peace despite […]
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; – Matthew 5:14 It was a humbling presence to pray for our law enforcement and military on Thibodaux’s courthouse steps. The representation of spiritual leaders, prayer warriors and praise partners gathered to pray for our nation, state and city illustrates that God is Not Dead – He’s roaring like a LION in the City of Thibodaux – Our city on a hill.
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 […]
By: Officer Johnathon Fontenot Thibodaux Police Department (LA) I am a Christian, but I am also a Police Officer. The challenges of being a Christian or a Police Officer are in and of themselves diverse, but being both at the same time has proved to be more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey with God began in the summer of 2009. My life was completely transformed, and God gave me an intense desire to know more about him. So, […]
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 […]
“Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” John Wayne I first saw this photograph a couple of years ago and was struck with a sense of sadness for the man in the circle. My imagination swept me into believing the worst of fates for his non-compliance. I put the picture aside, and every so often would come across it again. While I wanted to cheer for his refusal to cave, I still suffered from the sadness of his assumed inevitable fate. […]
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 […]
Over the last few days I’ve witnessed so many who’ve cursed or eulogized the last year; yes 2013. Instead of rejoicing in the 365 days of life God allowed them, they dismiss the gifts of grace in hopes of happenstance instantly or magically changing their circumstances. What makes a person believe that the tick of a second-hand tock is going to erase the hardships, the failures, the could-have-beens, the should-have-beens and the never-have-beens? Good things happen, bad things happen, terribly horrible things happen […]
I’m blessed to have served another year as a Chief of Police. Christmas is a natural season for the people I serve to graciously show gratitude through cards, foods and snacks delivered to the Thibodaux Police Department. Not unlike probably every agency across the globe, we become benefactors of an outpouring of goodwill from the folks we pour out our lives to everyday. Trust me, it is so very appreciated. The more chocolate the better I say! As I sorted through the pile […]
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 […]
There is a song that says “Can’t Give Up Now” often times we give up right before our breakthrough. Truly the Lord knows us in and out. But have you felt an extra boost of strength to keep moving just when you were about to give up? Why do we give up so soon? Is it because we have had enough? Or does it display a much deeper problem we have within ourselves.? It is so easy to give up then to […]
“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 […]
I’m often asked by officers, media and my college students about leadership. Seldom is asked what it takes to be led, or how to actually lead; but mostly when do “I get a chance to lead” or “I want to lead now.” I appreciate the enthusiasm, and if sincere, the desire to offer themselves up for the sacrifice to lead others. Sacrifice? Did you say “sacrifice?” No one ever mentioned sacrifice. Guess what? Servant leadership requires sacrifice. You must understand that to […]
I’m often asked, “Who is God and why should I serve Him?” My answer is that God was the first cop. “For […]
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 […]
NOTE: I am posting this message received for two reasons; 1. It was sent via social media, so I trust I’m not violating a confidence by posting. 2. It is possibly the nicest message I have received, and moves me to know that our actions, as important as our words, speak volumes about who we are and what we do. Hi, Scott. I found your sight by clicking on a twitter link tweeted by an author friend. I was curious because of […]
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 […]
Developing a talking theme for the year’s last quarter, I thought about leadership. Everyday my inbox is inundated with training solicitations for courses on leadership. Sure, everyone wants to lead, guide, direct and command. It’s our manifest destiny standing at the helm with a sword in one hand inspiring the troops. Today we can learn how to do it for a very reasonable registration fee, travel, hotel and per diem. Then I thought about learning to serve instead. Jotting ideas of what our commission as public servants […]
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 […]
I am so fortunate to be associated with men and women who hold this sacred. I’m thankful for their friendship, service and sacrifice. Who do you know living by this ethos? Thank them. Thank you.
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 […]
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 […]
The Christian Police Officer – By: Officer Johnathan Fontenot I am a Christian, but I am also a Police Officer. The challenges of being a Christian or a Police Officer are in and of themselves diverse, but being both at the same time has proved to be more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey with God began in the summer of 2009. My life was completely transformed, and God gave me an intense desire to know more about him. So, […]
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 […]