FIT@50 \ week 14
FIT@50 \ week 14 Balance Thursday night at a family birthday supper my niece said how odd it looked to see a wedding ring on my hand. I said it throws me off balance. Then I thought about what I said. There’s a weight associated with this ring. It’s called balance. To shift from decades of doing what I wanted, when I wanted to coordinating daily calendars for meeting the needs of the family took balance. Shifting gears from an “I want” […]
FIT@50 \ week 5
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 3
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 […]
The basis for a right relationship
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 […]
Be an Oak
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 […]
Who is Calling the Shots?
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 […]
Do you have what it takes?
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 […]
Get out of the boat
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 […]
City on a Hill | Day of Prayer
“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.
Filtering Out the Negatives
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 […]
Be an Oak
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 […]
Preparing a Place
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 […]
Wonder Why?
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 […]
What to Bury
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 […]
The Farmer and the Atheist
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 […]
Know What to Do and When to Do It
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 […]
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. 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 […]
Secret Service
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 […]
The Fog
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 […]
Putting on the restraints
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 […]
Can a Christian be a Cop?
I’m often asked, “Who is God and why should I serve Him?” My answer is that God was the first cop. “For […]
The Extra Mile
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 […]
Through the Eyes of a Child
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 […]
When God has a Message | Just hush
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 […]
The Schulz Philosophy | Easy Quiz Included
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 […]
Glory Hallelujah | Bo Bice
Just had to share this amazing praise song
An about face | To the rear march
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 […]
The Foundation of Doing Life
“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. […]
You Need RHEMA In Your Life
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 […]
Help for Your Heart
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 […]
Choosing the Source of Your Character
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 […]
Building Momentum For Your Life
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 […]
Why Care?
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 […]
Filtering Out the Negatives
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
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, […]
LAST Day of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to […]
Day 4 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 4
MCR Forgiveness and Reconciliation This is a tough one to share for several reasons, but often times saying “I love you” requires […]
Day 3 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 3
Bill Cassidy Fearless Christian Leadership I was crossing a highway in south Louisiana following the blessing of the fleet ceremony about two years ago. Stopping to say hello to the deputy directing traffic I heard a conversation between he and another person I did not know. They were talking about exercise, and I naturally jumped in. We continued our conversation while walking off the highway leaving the deputy to his duties. Within moments, the conversation turned to Christ. He was on fire […]
Day 2 of “PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. Day 1 – Long-term loyalty and commitment Day 2 – Wisdom and spirituality Day 3 – Fearless Christian leadership Day 4 – Forgiveness and reconciliation through prayer Day 5 – Mercy and healing This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 2
People I Love Week Renee Brinkley I love my sister Renee Brinkley for her friendship, spirituality, wisdom, and grace. Renee and I began a friendship in grade school, and continues today. Her depth of spiritual connection and conviction holds me in awe of each word she shares. She is blessed with a natural beauty, drawing people to her. They are immediately struck by her positive energy, honesty, and sincerity. In all our years, I have never heard her raise her voice, though […]
“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. This week’s theme is about love that endures. There are traditionally three types of love originating from the Greek language and referenced in God’s word. Eros is romantic love or physical attraction […]
PEOPLE I LOVE WEEK
The week of February 11 thru 15, 2013 is “People I Love” Week. This week of Valentine is traditionally reserved for romantic love. Often times the target of ones affections change and the next commercially driven day of “love” allows opportunities for a new target and new purchases to impress. This week’s theme is about love that endures. There are traditionally three types of love originating from the Greek language and referenced in God’s word. Eros is romantic love or physical attraction […]