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Copyright © 1999-2001 Emergency Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

July 2001

The "instruction book" for life is the Bible.

"Days Off"

July 29, 2001

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."  So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

-  Mark 6:31-32 (NIV)

We just got back last night from vacation.  This was the first time in I-don't-know-how-long that I turned off all of my pagers and my cell phone and actually got out of town.  Naturally, I left the numbers where I would be with all of the department's chiefs - so, I still had some ties with work.  Luckily, no one called!  That was refreshing!    hehehehe.

Anyway, I spent the first day feeling guilty about leaving.  Then I remembered all of the times I had about in the Bible when our REAL CHIEF Himself said, "take a break."  One of those times I read about is in this week's verses.  Christ's disciples had been so busy ministering to others, that they were exhausted.  So, Jesus said, "let's get away for a little 'r & r'."  But, something I want you to notice here.  HE said, "come with ME on vacation."

So, I went with HIM on vacation this past week.  Two really cool things happened while Jesus and my family were vacationing together.  First, we met a retired firefighter who was manning the state fire museum where we went to visit.  When he learned that I was a Fire Chaplain, he became misty-eyed and told me how much Chaplains mean to firefighters... at least to him.   And later, as we left the museum, he thanked me (I am the one who was thankful) and told me that he would be praying for me!!!   I was truly touched.

The second thing that happened to us that had GOD written all over it occurred on the trip home.  We were about two hours from home and pulled in to a service station.  As I got out to pump the gas, I noticed a young couple talking to two ladies and a young girl who were obviously having car problems, as the hoods were up on both of their cars.  I approached and asked if I could help.  I was told by the young man helping the women that their alternator had gone out and they were waiting on a mechanic.   It was then that I saw a Bible on the dashboard of the young couple's car.  Then, I see that the two ladies are wearing t-shirts from their home church!  I was awed how GOD had sent a Christian couple to help the two Christian ladies.  Then, since the young couple had to leave, HE sent my family to sit with until the mechanic arrived - which is what we did.   Wait, it gets better!  After about thirty minutes, the wrecker shows up.   The mechanic checks the car and affirms that the alternator is the problem, but that the local parts places were closed.  One of the ladies got in touch with a relative about an hour away, who said he could pick up the part and come install it.   So, I mentioned to the ladies that it was cool how GOD had sent two Christian families to their side.  To which the wrecker driver said, "yes, it is cool... I pastor a small church near here!"

I learned two very important lessons last week:

• It is definitely okay to take a break - even from ministry.

• Be sure and go with Christ on vacation - you will have much more to talk about when you get home!

Back from Vacation and Still...

On HIS Shift,

"In GOoD Hands"

July 22, 2001

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me."

-  Psalms 138:7 (NIV)

"You're in good hands... with Allstate."  Isn't that how the ad goes?  As most of you know, the Houston area suffered the worst storm in its' history back in June.  Tropical storm "Allison" took the lives of about twenty people in the area and the flooding left billions of dollars in damage.  The "good hands company", Allstate, said that they had received over 19,000 flooded vehicle claims.  And, that is just one insurance company.  There are over 4.5 million people in our area.  I do not wish to minimize the deaths at all, but there could have been many, many more fatalities.

And also, there have been many times that I think back on a situation and wonder how I survived.  And, I want you stop and think about that right now.  How many times have you been on the interior of a working structure fire?  or inside an overturned vehicle? or at an unstable, violent scene?

Each time, you have come out alive.   Coincidence?  NO!  GODincidence!    Sure, we may have "protective gear."  But, what about those times that the collapsing ceiling misses us by inches?  or the times we find out after a call about the dangers that we didn't realize were present at the last scene?  We have a REAL CHIEF who tells us, who promises us, in our verse this week, that HE loves us so much that HE will rescue us with HIS own hand - that is protecting us!

I don't know about you, but I don't want to be in just "good hands."  I want to put myself in HIS hands!

On HIS Shift,

"I Don't Understand"

July 15, 2001

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Twice in the last two days I have heard that statement from two varied groups of people - "I don't understand."

The first group were people on an off-shore rig who were rescued from their escape capsules by a passing ship.  There were two capsules.  However, they were short one man.  No one knows his fate.   As far as I know, the search continues.  In speaking with the workers the overwhelming response was "I don't understand why."

In the second incident, yesterday, a young man of only thirteen drowned at a local lake while on a  weekend outing with his family.  In this case, it was the parents saying"why?" and "I don't understand."  This incident was markedly different.  Why?   Because the family were believers - they served God.

I, too, don't understand a lot of things.  For instance, I don't understand it when babies die or are killed.  I especially don't understand it when I see believers wronged and I see evil thrive.   There are so many things we are not privy to in this lifetime.

But, I can tell you something that I do understand - our REAL CHIEF is in control.  HIS ways are so far beyond our comprehension that it isn't even funny.  I also know that HIS plans, HIS actions are perfect... every time.

Yesterday, the parents of that thirteen year old child knew that, too.  Yes, they said "I don't understand."  But, they also said, "we know you had a (perfect) purpose for this, God!"

You may not understand certain situations that happen during your life.  That's okay.  It really is.  You do need to understand one thing though:  God's way is as perfect as HIS love is for you.

On HIS Shift,

"Giving It UP"

July 8, 2001

"Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you..."

-  Psalms 55:22 (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those days (or maybe even weeks) when it seems like a dark cloud is following you around and "raining on your parade?"

It's kind of like the story I have told at funerals.  The story is about a lady who, in a short period of time, loses everything near and dear to her.  Her mother dies of cancer, she is involved in an accident and loses her unborn child, her husband leaves her.   Anyway, she goes into a flower shop.  To make a long story semi-short (hehehehe), the shop owner sells bunches of thorns to several customers.  She then explains to our friend that she, too, had been through multiple tragedies.  BUT, she had learned to thank God for the thorns... the bad times.

You see, we learn during the tough times in our lives.  My wife and I just watched the movie "Castaway" with Tom Hanks.  Hanks' character learned a lot during the tough times... he learned how to make a fire, how to fish, how to hunt and how the tides flowed.  But, he almost went bonkers (<==  notice the use of my technical terminology) because he was alone.

Now, the movie didn't say it, but it was apparent Hanks' character didn't have a relationship with our REAL CHIEF.  Too bad.  What an opportunity for Hollywood to show what a relationship with God can do... especially during the hard times.

Our verse this week is a promise from our REAL CHIEF... give HIM your troubles and HE will see you through.  Remember, HE never said it would be easy to be a believer, HE just said that with HIM that "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."

I can't speak for you.  But, I can tell you that when I was in the bottom of a pit in my life, HE was the one I reached UP to.  More importantly, HE was there, reaching out.

Got a problem?  Give it UP!

On HIS Shift,

"You Got It!"

July 1, 2001

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

-  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I am so pumped! 

Today's events were a shining example to me of the promise in this week's verse.  I just got home from delivering my very first Sunday service at a firehouse!!!  Seven members of the music ministry from my sponsor church even came and led the music.  Today you could see God working.

You see, when I first felt called by our REAL CHIEF to become a Chaplain, I really didn't understand what a Chaplain does.   I pictured in my mind that I would be holding services at the stations.  But, I soon realized that a more subtle approach was necessary.  I had to win respect as a Fire Chaplain first.  Now, here I am three years later.

About 3 months ago, one of the firefighter/EMTs of one of the departments I served approached me.  She said that she was a believer... that she followed our REAL CHIEF... but that she didn't go to church any more.  She said that she had grown weary with all the committees and the programs and busy-ness of the church to the point that she had simply quit going.  She felt that since I was "her Chaplain," that God had laid on her heart to tithe to HIM through my ministry.   Then, about two months ago, this same firefighter approached me and asked me if I would be willing to preach at the fire station!  She is on the board for the department and obtained the necessary permissions to use the fire hall.  We set it up for today... praying for a good turnout.

Well, guess what? Twenty-six people showed up... and SEVENTEEN are firefighters!!! Furthermore, we have already been okayed to hold another Sunday service one month from now at yet another fire station, in a different jurisdiction.

Today, I was able to hand out free firefighter New Testament pocket Bibles to anyone who wanted one.  God had provided funds through my ministry to buy them and Jose Medrano at Firefighter's for Christ made sure I had enough of them in time for today.

Please join me in prayer that on Sunday, August 5, we will double the number of firefighters that attend the service and learn, many of them for the first time, that we serve an awesome CHIEF.

On HIS Shift,

It is my prayer that the verses we discuss help each of you as it has helped me deal with the amount of stress we are all faced to deal with.

If you are not yet saved, I have Good News for you. Jesus loves you very much and His Holy Spirit is drawing you to Him. To learn more, click here.

© 1999 - 2001 Emergency Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

STRESS RELIEF is written every week, usually on Sunday afternoons.