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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Just had to share this amazing praise song
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. […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Returning to graduate school even before Max was born, he has only known a dad engaged in reading, writing and the joy of education. In addition to the prayers we share at this old table; reading and writing is a passion “we” now both enjoy. And what did my dad do? He was a teacher. Train up a child….
Waverly Mercy and Healing This is the greatest love of all. The love God shows me. I have been obedient at times in my life and I have been downright rebellious in my life. God always loves me. Even when I walked away. In 2006 my son was born. The delivery came fast and complicated. After a rushed surgery, a beautiful screaming baby boy arrived. He was perfect, and yet there was a sense of “what if” amongst the hospital staff. The next […]
MCR Forgiveness and Reconciliation This is a tough one to share for several reasons, but often times saying “I love you” requires […]
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 […]
The images were taken first hand as we responded to Hurricane Katrina. Third Day’s “Cry Out to Jesus” was the only song fitting to use. My dear friend Rachelle Hitt Bilbo created this piece and shared a disk with me in 2005. I watched it once, then put it and the memories away. It is a beautiful testimony to the compassion of law enforcement officers as we drove buses, gave water, comforted the old and young and helped bring a slice of […]
The images were taken first hand as we responded to Hurricane Katrina. Third Day’s “Cry Out to Jesus” was the only song fitting to use. My dear friend Rachelle Hitt Bilbo created this piece and shared a disk with me in 2005. I watched it once, then put it and the memories away. It is a beautiful testimony to the compassion of law enforcement officers as we drove buses, gave water, comforted the old and young and helped bring a slice of […]
“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.”
The Most Powerful Sermon My son and I moved to the city where I accepted the chief of police position. I (we) are always on the go and the weekends together are spent making up for everyone and everywhere we miss. I will share with you that he has Down syndrome and was 5 years old at the time. He does not know the days of the week, the hours of the day, and relied on sign language due to underdeveloped verbal […]