I AM the Resurrection

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;"- John 11:25

There is something so special about being a link in the chain of survival. Throughout a career, first responders get to witness the miracle of life through many life-saving emergency interventions. Seeing the immediate effects of D50, Narcan, CPR, and defibrillation snatch a patient from the grips of the grim reaper is invigorating. It's why we do what we do.

The reality is that no matter how good our efforts are some, if not most, will die. The bigger reality is that death is almost undefeated. All but one man have remained dead. Death has only suffered one loss. Jesus made some bold claims about Himself before He raised Lazarus from the dead. I AM the Resurrection. Wow. He proved that He is able to defeat death in raising his friend. Poor Lazarus would die a second time. But Jesus also predicted his death and resurrection. After being beaten and tortured beyond recognition, He died from shock and asphyxiation at the hands of the coldest killers of His time. Three days later, He rose again by His own power fully conquering sin and the grave! His resurrection was the ultimate blow to our old nemesis, death. 

The Resurrection is the power of Christ to transform lives now. Believing in Jesus will breathe new life into your weary soul. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is able to transform your life into something wonderful that is full of purpose and meaning. He resurrects our peace, hope, joy, love, contentment, and so much more. He resurrects broken marriages and relationships. He gives us hope for something better, and He promises that though this body may die, our soul will live forever with Him. 

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You,

Bobby

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." -John 10:11

"Making grabs" is the ultimate goal when going to "Jobtown." Risking one's life for the survival of another is a necessity of the calling. It is what you sign up for. It is what shepherds take an oath to do. Shepherds put themselves in harm's way to protect others. 

Our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, lived a perfect sinless life. He willingly endured terrible suffering and a horrific, excruciating death on our behalf. He stood between us and the wrath of God, bearing the punishment for our sins on His body so that we might be forgiven. He is "the" Good Shepherd. As such, He promises to protect us in the darkest of circumstances. With Him on our side, we are able to say, "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil(Psalm 23:4)" because He is always with us. 

Even shepherds need a shepherd. Doing the job you do, seeing the things you see, struggling with the temptations and ghosts you face, you need a shepherd. I need a shepherd. We all need a shepherd. Men and women who lead from the front with courage and conviction and who are willing to fight for their subordinates are worthy of earning a following. Jesus is the perfect example of a shepherd worth following. 

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You!

Bobby

I AM the Door

"So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep."

Nine times out of ten, we are rushing through the front door to fight fire. We know doors. We know how to breach them, chock them, and control them depending on the situation. Almost all of us have an uncanny need to notice all points of entry and egress in almost any room or building. We look for exit signs that will lead us to unseen doors of egress in case of an emergency. When things get hairy, visibility is at zero, and the heat is rising, a door of egress is a wonderful welcomed find. 

Jesus says that He is the "door "to the sheep pen. As His sheep, we go through Him to find safety, salvation, protection, and rest. In the same way, we go out through Him to pasture where sheep graze for food and water. Throughout our lives and in our careers we will walk through many doors in hopes of finding all the things that can be found in Jesus. Often, we search door after door seeking meaning and purpose. 

In order for us to have true peace, purpose, provision, protection, and rest(which we all so desperately need), we must go through Him. He is the God who provides all of our needs. Some of us need a door out of the mess, hurts, and pains of our lives. That way is also through Jesus, the One who loved you enough to die for you. He is the doorway to life. 

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You,

Bobby

I AM the Bread of Life

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

     Ah the Firehouse dinner table. So many stories shared. All of the world's problems solved. Many snowflakes offended. Relationships forged. And, Some of the best meals in town served. Magic happens as men and women "break bread" together around that table. Our time around the table is just as important to us as our time spent training and on the fire ground. We return to it time and time again because it is sacred to us.
     The term breaking bread is a Biblical one. It has its roots embedded in the practices of the early Christian Church in which they shared not only meals together, but "the" meal together: the body(bread) and blood(wine) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said that He is the Bread of Life. Just as a good firehouse meal and fellowship nourish us, so too does communion with Him. It provides us with nourishment, life, and satisfaction to our weary souls.
     When you find yourself distant from God and life seems devoid of joy, purpose, and meaning, it is time for you to go to the Bread of Life. He can be found in the Words of that Bible that is collecting dust on your end table, at the church in your neighborhood that you've been absent from, with your friends who are believers that you haven't made time for, or in that simple conversation(prayer) with Him that you've been avoiding. Spending time with Him is more important than the time we spend around the firehouse table. I guarantee you won't regret it.

 May the LORD Bless You and Keep You,

Bobby

Photo Credit: IG @delgadokustoms

Smooth Bump Bump

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6

Smokey, low visibility, high chaos situations can leave any firefighter disoriented in any type of building. When you need to evacuate in a hurry, you stay calm and trust your training. If you are an engine company, you are told to stay on the line and follow it out. This is easier said than done. When seconds count, finding a hoseline and knowing how to get out is of utmost importance. The mnemonic "smooth bump bump to the pump" or "smooth way out" can help you identify by feeling the couplings, your path to safety.   

Oftentimes, the paths we are to take in life, are hard to decipher. Our lives can be full of life-altering major decisions: what to do after high school, which career path to take, who to date/marry, which neighborhood to build in, which church to join, whether or not to take that promotional exam, to stay at your current job or not, when is the right time to retire... The uncertainty of the future can bring unwanted stress and anxiety. Maybe our lives are plagued by bad decisions. These bad decisions lead to indecision, and we feel stuck. Even when you can't trust yourself, you can trust in Him. Trusting and submitting to Him and His plan for your life is all you need to get back on the right path. He will never let you down, and He will never steer you wrong. More than you can trust yourself and your training, you can trust Jesus. 

Blessings,

Bobby

I Can Do All Things

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most memorized and misunderstood scriptures of all time. Steph has it on his shoes, and many have it tattooed on their bodies. Who doesn't want to believe that God will give us the ability to dunk a basketball, bench 500 pounds, be the baddest firefighter to walk the planet, or break any other barrier out there? It's easy to take this verse alone and believe we can accomplish any feat. After all, it says I can do all things, and all things means all things, doesn't it?

If we're not careful, we can all fall into the trap of taking one verse, making it stand alone, and assigning meaning to it. It is the Holy Scriptures that give us and life meaning, not the other way around. When reading scripture, context is everything. The funny thing about Biblical context is that it is never set in present day western society, and it is never solely about us. It might be for us, but if we want to understand God and His Word, then we must know the historical and literary context.

Paul wrote this letter to a church he founded in Philippi from jail while awaiting trial with execution looming over his head. In the verses leading up to 4:13, Paul says, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." He then says, "I can do all things..."

The "all things" Paul is referring to is really about being content. Contentment is being satisfied with your life no matter your circumstances. Its focus is a state of mind, not a physical ability. It is wanting and being grateful for what you have. The trap of this world is to want more and/or think your life would be better if only... Paul is able to be content in jail, where he doesn't have the freedom, people, and things he is accustomed to. He knows that knowing Jesus is the most important thing in the world, and that is enough for Him. Knowing he is loved and forgiven by the God of the Universe has allowed him to be free from the discontentment and restlessness that plagues so many of us. He is able to be grateful for God's amazing grace and mercy. When we focus on God and His goodness, He can give us the power to have joy and peace of mind in every situation, even if the world is falling apart around us. 

May the LORD bless you and keep you!

Bobby

My Redeemer Lives

"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth." -Job 19:25

In the oldest book of the Bible, we find the story of Job. He was a man of great wealth, honor, and integrity. He worshipped God and took care of those less fortunate. Even though it appears he did everything right, he still lost everything near and dear to him: his children, wealth, and health. The scriptures tell us that in all of his pain and suffering he did not curse God. He questioned God, reasoned with God, and cried out to Him, but he did not curse Him.

Job faced accusations, indifference, and isolation from those closest to him. In the midst of great physical and mental anguish, Job chose to trust God. His statement, "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth," is one of great faith. It is sometimes hard to believe God exists and cares for us when life is hard. It is in those times that we have to dig in and lean on Who and what we know. The only way you can say God is alive, He is near, and He will one day make all of this right either in this life or the next, is by knowing Him. We cannot know God if we don't know His Word(Bible). We can't know God if we stay away from His people(The Church). And we cannot know God if we don' talk to Him(pray).

Like Job, firefighters and first responders are generally considered "good" people. We are the protectors of society who took an oath to protect lives and property. We go to work every day willing to risk our lives to save others. Our acts of service and heroism while noble, don't make us immune to pain and suffering, neither do praying and going to church. 

On the fire ground and in life, we are defined by how we respond to adversity. Our first response should always be to trust in Christ. Choose to believe even when you can't see or feel God working. Choose to believe when doubt creeps in. When you know God, the easier it is to trust Him and His plan. May we be able to proclaim in every situation, "I know my Redeemer lives!"

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You!

Bobby

The First Zombies?

"The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised" - Matthew 27:52

Ok. They probably weren't actually zombies, but why doesn't anyone ever mention this verse in conjunction with the Crucifixion? Dead people resurrected in the tombs is a major deal! Jesus has just breathed His last breath. The earth shook and the veil in the temple was torn in two. This let's us know that Jesus' death gives us direct access to God. There are no more barriers or needs for religious ceremonies and sacrifices. Jesus said, "It is finished." Matthew and only Matthew then mentions that the dead woke up!

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is defined by the miraculous. The virgin birth? Miraculous. Water into wine, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking, the dead rising? All miraculous. The power of Sin and Death defeated once and for all? MIRACULOUS!

God promised in Isaiah 26:19 that the "dead will live." As always God is the only one who 100% undeniably keeps His promises. Many of us first responders have seen the power of D50 wake someone in insulin shock. I've always marveled at the power of Narcan to resurrect a person overdosed on heroin. Yet nothing compares to the POWER of the CROSS!

Because Jesus Died and Rose, we can LIVE!!! The living people in the tombs are evidence of the new order of things. Death has lost its victory and its sting! We can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil! We take complete comfort and have confidence in Jesus' words- another promise: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE!" This my friend is a big, big, deal and reason to celebrate!

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You,

Bobby

The Rocks Will Cry Out

"Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples! “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” -Luke 19:39-40

 

We know the day as Palm Sunday. Jesus was on His way into Jerusalem for His last week of life before His crucifixion. He enters town as a humble King riding on a donkey colt. His followers understood this as a fulfilment of messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Jesus was declaring Himself as the Messiah for whom they have waited generations. They waved palm leaves and in homage placed their cloaks on the ground for the colt to walk on. His followers sang His praises and chanted "Hosanna" which means, "God Save Us!" As the crowd surged with joy at the fulfillment of prophecy, this angered the establishment. 

The Pharisees were outraged. To them this was an act of blasphemy and treason, punishable by death. They beg Jesus to correct His followers and shut them up. Against the backdrop of the Mt of Olives scattered with graves covered in stones(see above picture), he ignores their request and says, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." All of Creation declares the Glory of God! Everywhere and in every person we see the creativity, power, and beauty of God. We as His Followers should declare His praises every chance we get. Jesus makes it clear that whether we give Him the glory He is due or not, creation will. 

The stones on top of those graves already sing His praises because... He created them. He holds the power to resurrect the dead under those stones who would then... sing His praises. Jesus is letting them know that He is God who can make inanimate objects alive. He is worthy of all praise. As we enter Holy Week, let us tell of the Goodness of God. Pray that God would give you opportunities to declare His glory. How could we not shout the praises of the One who created us and loved us enough to die for us?

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You!

Bobby

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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