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Sunday, November 8, 2020

The LORD Will Provide

"Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together." -Genesis 22:8

This weekend hunters all over the Great State of Texas are sitting in a tree or deer stand somewhere hoping to harvest a deer. It is such a blessing to have God provide "meat for the freezer," food that can feed a family. As I have seen social media posts of God's provision for my friends and family this weekend, I have been reminded that God is our provider. 

Abraham was tested by God and asked to do the unthinkable- sacrifice a son that he waited 90 years to have. So, he took his son and began to build the altar. Not aware that he was the sacrifice, Isaac asked his father, "Where is the lamb?(Genesis 22:7)" Abraham's response was, "the LORD will provide." Abraham knew the promises of God. He was loyal to the God who called him and completely trusted in Him. Isaac was evidence of the promise that God would bless the entire world through his son. Fast forward a few millennia to one of Isaac's descendants, Jesus, the "lamb of God(John 1:29)" provided to "take away our sins!"

God is always providing for us. Every meal, talent, skill, and relationship are gifts from God. Even more so, He provided His son, Jesus to be a sacrifice on the cross to provide us with His Love, Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness. His Word, the Holy Scriptures, are full of His promises for us. What is it that you need from God in this moment? Is it healing, wisdom, strength, peace, hope, purpose, direction, a new job, a miracle, or your next meal? Whatever it is, we can be certain and have faith just like Abraham that THE LORD WILL PROVIDE. 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Sr Captain Bobby Delgado, HFD Chaplain

Photo Credit: Kelly Parker 

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Mourn and Rejoice Together

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." - Romans 12:15
Grief and celebration are part of the dichotomy of life. This week the mother of some of my best childhood friends died. Then HFD lost another brother in the line of duty. And, a brother firefighter got to marry the love of his life. To say that life is full of highs and lows is an understatement. 

My take away this week is that no matter what we go through, we are created to go through it together. To rejoice and mourn with others is as simple a command as we can get. Both my extended family and fire family have done this extremely well. We have shed tears, lent empathetic ears, and offered shoulders to cry on. We've shared meals, beers, laughs, and memories together. 

As God's children on this journey called life, we are to come alongside each other and offer our presence as Jesus did. In mourning and in celebration we share in the human experience. We commit to being there for and with our fellow brothers and sisters. We hurt because they hurt, and we celebrate because they celebrate. There are people in our lives right now who need us to mourn or rejoice with them. When we show up for others, we demonstrate that they are loved and they matter. In doing so, we show them the love and presence of God. 

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

 

Sunday, October 11, 2020

More Than You Can Bear

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13ESV

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said, "The Good Lord will never give you more than you can bear." This is probably one of the most flat out wrong "truths" attributed to God and the Bible. It's not found anywhere in all of Scripture. False understanding leads to false application. You aren't allowed to go through tough times because God thinks you are a "bad a$$." You don't have a "black cloud" following you. It isn't "Karma." It is life. Maybe the only "lesson" God is trying to get you to "learn" is to totally depend on Him. (The misquoted statement is actually a misrepresentation of a verse about temptation(see verse above). We all have a choice whether we will give in to temptation or not.)

Life is full of struggles and suffering, heartache and pain. Many preachers gloss over the fact that the Bible does promise we will have trouble(John 16:33, James 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:8). There is no escaping it. Believing in God and being a Christian doesn't make us immune to the trials of life. There have been many days where I've been overwhelmed by all of the hardship this life brings. 2020 has brought more pain and loss than I could have ever imagined. Don't we all feel like the hits keep coming?

It is in times like these that I cling to the promises and truths found in the Holy Scriptures. I cling to the promise that "He will never leave us or forsake us(Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20)." I hang onto the fact that in my "weakness His strength is made perfect(2 Corinthians 12:9)." When we feel the unbearable weight of this world, we must learn to rely on Christ. We must "cast our burdens on Him for He will sustain us(Psalm 55:22)." When you don't have the will, strength, or know-how to carry on, ask Him to carry you through the storm. He can handle it.

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You,
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain






Sunday, July 5, 2020

Grace and Salt

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." -Colossians 4:6
Our mothers taught us a very important lesson very early on in our lives. My mom still has to repeat it to me often: "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all." For many of us first responders, that would mean we would be silent most if not all of the time. Obviously like Colonel Sanders so eloquently put it in Water Boy, "Momma is wrong again." We should absolutely speak up to correct lies, wrongdoings, and injustices. Your point of view matters. We have the right to share our opinion on any topic any where. That is freedom protected in the First Amendment. 

We have an ongoing crisis of people not being able to have conversations with dissenting opinions anymore. So many conversations today are fueled by emotions and personal attacks. If you don't think, vote, and "feel" like me, then you are inferior and the enemy. I don't know where we went wrong, but this has to stop.

Food companies have long learned that the combination of sweet and salty will keep people eating more. The same can be said for sweet and spicy. The juxtaposition of these flavors often leads me to eat a whole bag of trail mix or kettle corn when I intended to just eat "some." When our words are "gracious" and "seasoned with salt," people are willing to hear more of them. In order for us obey God's command, we need to pray before and during any conversation. We should view each other not as opponents, but as equals. We must slow down and choose our words wisely- words that build up not tear down. We must not let our emotions steer any conversation. Just because we have the right to say something, doesn't mean we should. We should seek to listen for understanding, and we should find and build off of common ground. It is my experience that many of us want the same things in life. We just have differing methods on how to get there. When this isn't enough, we must agree to disagree. 

 My hope and prayer is that civility will be restored to our relationships and to this world. God can do it when we His people follow His plan for our speech. 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain




Sunday, June 14, 2020

Trust in Him

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." -Isaiah 26:3

We've endured a complete change of life due to COVID-19 and the aftermath from the death of George Floyd. It feels like life as we know it may never be the same. It is certainly certain that no one is certain about anything. Experts in religion, science, medicine, government policy, public opinion, social media, and the economy don't seem to agree on anything. There is strife and division everywhere we look. Opinions on how to move forward together as a country seem to be ever changing and evolving. Even change for the better is met with resistance. With the constant change we are facing, it is easy to be stressed, depressed, angry, pessimistic, and anxious about our future.

What we all need is assurance. We all need that rock to hold onto. God promises His "perfect peace" to us if we just hold on to and trust in Him. He is immovable, unshakable, immortal, perfect, and constant. He is the only One we can count on. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever(Hebrews 13:8). He never promised us this life would be easy, predictable, or comfortable. He does promise to always be with us and give us His peace and strength to endure. It is evident to me that if I put my trust in Him, I will have peace, no matter what is going on around me. Faith in anything but Him has and will lead to disappointment. May we trust Him, and may He grant us His perfect peace.
 
May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Slug

"Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." -Proverbs 18:9

"Slug" is one of those names that you do not want attached to you in the fire department. Hard work is an essential asset of anyone wishing to succeed in the fire service. While cleaning toilets as a young "tabber" at Station 12, my captain told me that I would go far in the fire department if I kept up my work ethic. My chief at Station 82 made it a point to instruct me not to be like the previous rookie, who earned the notorious label "slug." As an officer it is easy to see that the best firefighters are the ones who are always working. Hard work ensures that everything is in a state of readiness for whatever the shift may throw at you. Simply put by someone, hard work pays off. 

One of the keys to life is not being afraid of work and getting our hands dirty. We should relish the opportunity to put forth our best effort in whatever we do, "as unto the Lord(Colossians 3:23)." Every wake up call is a chance to do God's work. Maintaining relationships takes work. Repairing damaged ones, even more work. Staying connected to God does take work on our part. Loving your neighbor, yup, takes work. Loving your enemy, serious work. Racial reconciliation, you guessed it, takes work. Changing your world, a lifetime of work.  

The implications of being a slacker are related to destruction. Consider unkempt yards, dilapidated homes, failing relationships, preventable diseases, financial struggles, societal unrest, divided communities, and feeling distant from God. A slack attitude in life leads to loss at every corner and is downright sinful to those around us and to God. Start with putting in the work of knowing and loving God. In turn, He will guide you in putting in the work of loving your spouse, children, neighbor(everyone), enemy, and world. Then and only then will we see true transformation. 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, May 31, 2020

JUSTICE

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? 
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8
The horrific public killing of George Floyd has brought about outrage and much needed calls for justice. My hope and prayer is that his killer and accomplices are punished for their crimes. Our God is a God of justice. As His children, we have been ordained by God to speak and stand against injustice of every kind. We should not just tweet, repost, and share, but we must also listen, pray, write, march, vote, give, donate, love, volunteer, hold accountable...

Being about justice isn't a one time event. It is a lifestyle. We don't get to pick and choose which injustices matter. They all matter to God. We also don't get to solve one injustice with another. Unjust acts in the name of justice are still unjust. Right after God tells us to "act justly/do justice/love justice", he asks us to love mercy. We must remember that each sin we have and will ever commit is against a Holy and Righteous God. When He offered His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, He offered us MERCY. I am so grateful for His mercy every day, because I know what I deserve and never get. We must also offer mercy in the manner and measure we have received.

The only way we can administer Justice tempered with Mercy is to "walk humbly with God." Our gut reaction, apart from God, is to offer swift street justice. We want people to pay and we want them to suffer just as much. If we're honest, we want them to suffer even more than their victims. We want them to burn in hell. The more we walk with God, the more we are willing to extend mercy and grace while also holding them accountable for their actions. 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Blessed Are the Meek

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5

Most firefighters I know can relate to the above picture. Many of them have had to keep their shoulders back, eyes forward, and mouths shut while being berated, I mean molded, by their drill sergeant. While it was in their best interest to do so, they were getting a true exercise in meekness. Every fiber in their being wanted to smart off or fight back, but they chose not to. We always have a choice.

We often equate meekness with weakness. In reality, the opposite is true. To be meek is to have the ability or right to do something, and refraining for the greater good. Being meek takes a great deal of inner strength and restraint. It is choosing to keep your mouth shut when you want to let someone have it. It is walking away from the mouthy and belligerent antagonist. It is allowing your inner strength to trump your physical and verbal might. Let us imitate Christ who as God had the power to destroy His earthly enemies, yet kept his mouth shut, and endured extreme physical pain for the sake of the world.

Just because we can doesn't mean we should. May we have the wisdom to know when and how to display our strength. Oh that we would value inner strength and restraint over reckless might. May we keep unity and peace at the forefront of our minds. May we choose the way of Christ over all else. May we rule over our emotions. May we be meek and in turn be blessed.

May the LORD bless you and keep you!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Family Style

“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, 
proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him." - Luke 8:39

The stay at home orders during COVID-19 have given us an amazing opportunity to slow our lives down, and quite frankly, I am enjoying the slower pace of life. We aren't rushing around as much anymore. Since all practices and games have been cancelled, we have time to be together as a family. Hopefully you are spending that time around a dinner table. 

The dinner table at home is even more important than the dinner table at the station. It is the place where our relationships are forged and our worth is found. It is a place to both hear and to be heard. It is a place of love, acceptance, and truth. Kids who eat dinner regularly with their families develop verbal skills earlier, do better in school and have less incidents of depression and drug use. I believe that families who eat and pray together, stay together. 

My family has enjoyed lots of laughter and conversation over the past month and a half. We aren't scarfing down our food to get to the next thing. We are actually enjoying each other's company. With more time for meaningful conversation, now is the perfect time to share your faith with your children. It is an excellent time to pray together and count your blessings. It is a time where you can share how God has come through for you, how He has changed your life, and how you can't imagine life without Him, especially during this pandemic.  Seize this opportunity to share your life and faith with your family. Let us declare just how much He has done and is doing for us. 

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Flipped It

"...and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons." 
-Mark 11:15 
If you've ever played a no holds barred game of monopoly(the only way to play), it may have ended like the picture above. Did you think this was a game? Anger at a game, in hindsight, is pretty silly. Jesus did something like this this in much more dramatic fashion.

He had just entered Jerusalem to much fan fare on what we call Palm Sunday. Many of the people in Jerusalem declared him King. His first act as King wasn't to overthrow the Roman government but to overthrow their religion. He flipped it upside down.

Their sacrificial religious system required people to buy animals to be sacrificed on their behalf. The sellers were over charging and making a profit in God's house! Not only that, but they were doing so in the Court of Gentiles, the only place where non Jews were allowed to worship. As he flipped those tables in righteous rage, He reminded them of the scriptures saying my house will be a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7), but you have made it a den of robbers(Jeremiah 7:11). I picture Him waving his index finger in the air like Dikembe Mutumbo and saying, "Not in my house!"

God's house is a place where EVERYONE is welcome: all ages, races, economic statuses, and sin backgrounds. It is a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints. It is not a business or a place to make a profit. Its leaders don't need or "deserve" million dollar mansions, personal jets, fancy clothes, book deals, or any other luxury. The church should stand against injustice and seek to care for orphans, widows, the marginalized, and the "least of these." And the church should be devoted to teaching ALL of scripture holding its leaders accountable for their own sins and crimes. May our churches be led by Jesus, His Holy Spirit, and the Holy Scriptures. 
-Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, March 22, 2020

The Homeschool Blessing

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." - Psalm 127:3
I love that I can count on you all for some great memes. Social media keeps me in stitches most days, but since social distancing has become the norm, you all have stepped up your game. I truly thank you.

As our kids and us have been forced into homeschooling, you all have not disappointed:
"And just like that corporal punishment and prayer are back in school"
"I am getting really tired of watching my parents' grandkids."
"Do you go to the refrigerator at school? Umm, No! Use your school stomach."
"Homeschooling is going well. 2 suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job."

All joking aside, instead of focusing on the negative aspects and inconveniences of the pandemic, we should focus on our blessings. We get to choose how we respond to extra family time. We get to be together as families. We have been forced to slow our crazy lives down. 

I remember being a brand new dad almost 18 years ago and having the generation before me tell me how fast time with our children passes. Now as my princess is a senior in high school, I tell young fathers the same thing. Cherish every moment with your loved ones. Embrace forced family time. Cook, play, laugh, binge watch, sing, workout, create, and dream together! Enjoy the noise. Truly make memories. It won't be long before they're grown and gone. The Good Lord tells us that they are a blessing. It's time we start believing and living it. 
-Be Blessed, 
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain


Sunday, March 15, 2020

Sharing is Caring

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
These are interesting times. For the first time in our lives we have seen the world come to a stand still with no end in site. COVID-19 has caused a lot of inner turmoil as we face the uncertainty of tomorrow. It's in these hardest of times that we see what people truly believe and what they are made of. 

One of the first lessons we were taught as toddlers was to share. We were told incessantly to share our toys, food, and mommies. We are taught this because we are born selfish. We want to keep everything and everyone important to us to ourselves. It's human nature. A lesson that many adults should have learned decades ago has seemingly been lost. People are buying more food, soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper than they could ever possibly use because they are only thinking of themselves. Then there are the truly wretched who are only buying with the intent of making a profit. 

If you are a Christian, you are called to "do good" and "share with others." In these trying times we do both by thinking of others. It should be common sense. Now is the time for us to share God's love, our time, and resources with our neighbors. Now is the time for love to shine. Here are a few suggestions:
  1. If you are sick, stay home. Don't go to work, church, the store, or anywhere  else where you can potentially infect someone else. Disease is something that should not be shared. 
  2. If your symptoms are mild, treat them with over the counter remedies until you are better. This will free up our health care professionals to treat those who are critically ill.
  3. When you are out shopping and the shelves are fully stocked, only buy what you need, and save some for the next person. 
  4. Show compassion and patience to your store clerks as they are working harder than most, and tell them, "Thank you."
  5. Check on the elderly who are the most susceptible and on fixed incomes. Share what you have with them or ask them what they need and get it for them.
  6. Many parents don't have the luxury of working from home, so as school is cancelled and if you are able, offer to help take care their students while they work.
  7. If your faith in the Lord is strong and you have a peace during this storm, share the reason for the hope you have. Pray for and with those who are struggling. 
I could go on and on, but I think we all get the point. Let's do the right thing. Let's be decent human beings, and in doing so, God is pleased. Be blessed!
-Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain
Photo Credit: Sonia Escobedo

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Draw Near

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." -James 4:8
Most of us in the Houston area love this time of year. The weather can offer us some of the most picture perfect days of the year. With the arrival Mardi Gras comes a season of celebration. It also means it's crawfish season! Which also means the Rodeo is upon us, which means the world's best barbecue and fried Oreos are with us. All this fun, excitement, and good food is jam packed into 3-4 weeks of southeast Texas awesomeness!

With all the great food, music, and time spent with good people, it is easy to forget that we are now in the season of Lent. It started this past Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, by placing ashes on our foreheads. In Old Testament times men and women would put on sackcloth and ashes to represent mourning. On Ash Wednesday we mourn over our sins because we realize and admit that it is our sins that separate us from a Holy God, and it is our sins that nailed Jesus to the Cross. 

During the season of Lent we repent, turn away from our sins, and turn towards God. It is a time to draw closer to the God who created us and knit us together in our mother's womb(Psalm 139:13) and loved us so much that He died for us. For 40 days Christians around the world are fasting from meat, social media, coffee, chocolate, etc...And they are taking up prayer, scripture reading, volunteering, and random acts of kindness. 

Jesus' brother, James, promises us that as we forsake the things of the world, and draw near to God, He will draw near to us. That verse always makes me picture the father from the prodigal son, who sees his son returning home in the distance and takes off running towards towards him. God is calling all of us to Him for the first time, back to Him, or closer to Him. Would you join us in drawing near to God this Lent by reading this Bible reading plan from YouVersion? As you do, I pray that God will become more real and relevant than ever before. 
Be blessed, 
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain



Sunday, February 23, 2020

Confession

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."


One of my favorite things about fire station life is sitting around the table sharing life. Every morning and evening we (hopefully) share a meal together and talk. We solve the world's problems, vent, and laugh. We talk about anything and everything rather frankly. 

As believers in Christ, James tells us to confess our sins to each other. For some reason this is something extremely hard for those of us who are truly trying to follow Christ. Before we were in Christ we had no problem boasting about our sins. We actually wore them as a badge of honor. My Protestant children had no clue what the above picture is. When asked, one said, "A coffin?" True Biblical confession is a lost art.

We don't confess our sins because we don't want to admit our faults and failures, because they really become true once the words leave our mouths. We may feel that we are weaker and less than. Maybe we fear judgment. Some of us have been vulnerable before and a trusted friend used those words of confession against us. Whatever the reason, we must all remember that we are all sinners(Romans 3:23), and our temptations are common to us all(1 Corinthians 10:13).

James says that healing comes from our confessions. We don't have to carry the weight of our guilt and shame. We don't have to let it keep us from church and away from God. That weight causes so much inner turmoil which can lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation. Christ desires for us to be free. We all need that one person with whom we can share our deepest darkest secrets. That person who will then pray for us and encourage us to follow Christ and keep us accountable. Who is that person for you? Chances are that person is struggling with the same things you are and will not treat you like you have the plague. Let us find our people and in turn our healing in confession.
-Be Blessed,
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Eye For An Eye

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 
39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." -Matthew 5:38-39



An eye for an eye has an interesting ring to it. Our primal, self protective instinct likes the idea of administering swift, equal justice. Our logical self says eye for an eye is both archaic and barbaric. It is more vengeance than justice. Gandhi says following it "makes the whole world blind." Rick Warren says, "hurt people hurt people."

The saying is found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Leviticus. It was meant to remind local judges to administer justice fairly and equally. It was not intended for individuals to inflict the same pain they received. That attitude of retaliation has led to endless cycles of violence, abuse, and war.

Jesus, who always holds us to a higher standard, tells us to "turn the other cheek." He is not instructing us to be the world's punching bags because we are His followers. He is telling us to show true grit when we are insulted and offended. He is asking us to end the cycle of hatred and abuse. When we retaliate the violence is sure to escalate.

This world, which is perpetually offended, could use a whole lot of turning the other cheek. Instead of jumping on our keyboards to lash out digitally against a seemingly mild offense, what if we said nothing. Someone cuts you off and gives you the middle finger, so what. Keep driving. There is no honor to defend against people who do not know or care about you. Your spouse or teenager is having a bad day and says some mean things out of anger, we've done the same. Our family's future is dependent on us all exhibiting grace. Jesus is asking us to grow thick skin and to be the adults in the room. He is asking us to do as He did. He stayed on the cross taking every form of verbal and physical abuse possible for the good of all mankind. That is the true measure strength. 
-Be Blessed
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Own It and Learn

"As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly." -Proverbs 26:11

Every year for the past 8 years, Facebook and wonderful firefighter brothers remind me of this most ridiculous blunder. It had been another busy day saving lives(or maybe disregards) on Squad 18. We stopped for gas at the Valero on 45 and Dumble, which was customary. We went inside, while the pump did its thing, for caffeine and snackage. Our stay was extended as the other guy in the photo was looking at maps and planning for his trip to Wisconsin or somewhere. Whatever the case, I hopped in the war wagon, put her in drive and left. Just as soon as we started to move, we all heard a loud POP. I put her in park and looked at my now infamous blunder. Cameras were out immediately and here we are today. 

I have yet to make that mistake again. I might actually be just a little paranoid. I was a fool for doing it the first time. I'd be labeled far worse for a second. For the longest time I tried to blame the mistake on the distractions of the moment and busyness of the day, but the truth is, I did it all by myself and must live with the consequences of annual ridicule.

I wonder what mistakes in life we continue repeating? What other sins are out there that we continue to run to instead of from. What excuses do we make to cover our tracks. Who/what are we blaming other than ourselves? How often do we who are brave, strong, professional, educated, forgiven, and compassionate play the part of a fool?

May we learn from our mistakes and take the proper actions to never repeat them again. May we turn from sin and run towards Christ. May we own our stuff and properly place blame where it belongs. Let us grow in maturity, faith, and humility.
-Be Blessed
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Seven Times?

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Forgiving is not something that comes naturally. Most of us want it after we've really messed up, but rarely want to extend it to others. Peter knowing that Jesus has called us to a higher standard, thinks he is making a grand gesture by suggesting we forgive "seven times." After all, the rabbis taught that forgiving a person three times was sufficient for morality. 

We cannot beat God's standards on a technicality. Quantifying our good works is ridiculous. They will never measure up the to the glory of God's mercy and grace. He forgives us lavishly. He loves us so much that He sent His son to live a life that we could not live(perfect and sinless) to die the death that we deserve to pay a debt we couldn't pay.

For those who have experienced and understand the richness and beauty of his mercy and forgiveness, we should want to forgive as He forgives us. Forgiving others ensures our own forgiveness. It is an extension of God's grace in a world that desperately needs it. Over and over again is how often He forgives us. May we forgive the same way to everyone who wrongs us, seventy seven times aka infinitely. 
Be Blessed!
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Adopted by God

"...the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father." -Romans 
Adoption holds a special place in my heart. I always knew I wanted to adopt. I believe the Good Lord in His infinite wisdom and purpose was preparing me to be married to an adoptee who had several first cousins who are also adopted. Their family refers to them as "the chosen ones." I love that title, it says so much. The vast majority of us don't get to choose our families. To be chosen is to be wanted. The chosen have been found to have inherent worth and value that they don't have to earn. Once adoptions are legally finalized, all the rights of children are immediately granted to the adopted.

Being the father to two adopted boys, I understand the beauty of God's plan of salvation a little better these days. Believing in Jesus grants us adoption into the family of God. The God of the Universe made a way for us to be part of His family by dying on the cross for us. Take some time to let that marinate and sink in. We are so loved and valued to be chosen by God. It is a huge blessing to be part of His family. Our inheritance is eternal life with Him. He allows us to have a personal relationship with Him where we can call Him Father. As father, He is always there for us. What is His is ours. He is always guiding, protecting, and providing. As sinners, we did nothing to earn it, and we can't do anything to change it. Thank you Father that your heart for us leads to adoption into Your family. 
Be blessed,
Senior Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Think About It

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

As your thought life goes, so goes your day, so goes your life. Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Your mind is a battlefield and the antagonist and villain is yourself. As the late Kimbo Slice once said, "the enemy is the inner me."

We have control over the thoughts that get to stay in our heads. Dwelling on the negative increases our stress and anxiety levels, which in turn affect our overall health and trickle down to every aspect of our lives. It makes our problems greater than our God. It steals our hope, peace, and joy. Positive thinking rooted in Faith in Christ, gives us hope, focuses on solutions, and trusts that God will see us through any situation. Hopkins Medicine reports, "People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook."

God wants the best for us. His Word, the Holy Scriptures, are for our benefit. If He tells us to think about whatever is "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy," then we should take heed, because He has our best interest at heart. Christ is all of those things. Think about Him. Fill your head and heart with Bible verses and see the difference that is made in your outlook, attitude, and health. 
-Be Blessed,
Sr Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

Sunday, January 5, 2020

He is Faithful

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
If your 2019 was anything like mine, it was full of the good and the bad, highs and lows, smiles and tears, worries and fears. I can promise you that 2020 will bring more of the same. With each year that passes, I am reminded that there is only one being that I am fully able to trust, and that is God. Just like Apollos stated: "He is faithful."

My children will test my patience. My wife and I won't see eye to eye on everything and some days anything. My health and that of my loved ones will be tested. The safety and security of our nation will be challenged. Politicians will continue to speak out of both sides of their mouths. The world will continue to change without my approval. But. God. Is. Faithful.

He is the only sure, constant thing in my life. He is more constant and steady than the rising and setting sun. So in 2020 and hopefully for the rest of this life, I will cling to him with every ounce of my being, because He is faithful. I pray that you would do the same.

-Be Blessed,
Sr Captain Bobby Delgado
HFD Chaplain

photo credit: Nicky Jernigan