Why are there s many churches?

[Major]

Thanks Major, nice to know people care. II will be OK, just a phase.

I have always believed that alcoholism is predisposed. I grew up with two guys who were my closest friends. One I already told you about (Henry the cop). The second was Javier, also a cop (retired) but with some serious demons. When we were young adults, we drank; however, I did not see any indications that Javier had a problem.

I finally saw the problem, after he and I both retired and I moved back to South Florida. After Javier retired, he did not do much. He really did not need to, as he was financially stable. He basically stayed at home, drank, and waited for his wife to come home from work and make dinner. There came a point, where his wife (Sonia) had enough and they divorced. By then, he was not just a drunk, he became a mean and ugly person. Unfortunately, because of his attitude, this resulted in us ending a life-long friendship.

About five years ago, he was drunk and home alone. He fell and broke his hip. When he was taken to the hospital, he started to have serious alcohol withdrawals and ended up in ICU. At the time, he was into Scotch. He went home a month later and stopped drinking. Unfortunately, sobriety did not last long and he found a new friend in wine. We were still not talking, but I kept up with him through Henry and Sonia. On January 1, 2017, I received a call from Henry that Javier had died. Apparently, on the night of Jan 1st, he left the house to buy some more wine. When he got back home, as he was walking back into his house, he fell, hit his head on a rock, and his neighbor found his body the following morning. This was a sad ending to a life that had promise. He was only 58 years old. Based on some credit card receipts that were fund at the house, he was drinking an average of 6 bottles of wine a night.

I sometimes feel guilty for not having done more, but he was just not in a place where he cared about himself, or others. He listened to no one and his demons were just too much for him to bare.

rtm3039

By the way, my oldest son was a cop for 25 years and he retired about 5 years ago.

Grieving for him is very normal. I am sure it was a terrible loss for you, however, I would encourage you to not feel guilty over this.

The Bible teaches us that we all have the "Freedom of Choice". We all have to choose the things we do and do not do and unfortunately some people do not make the right choices.

 

[rtm3039]

By the way, my oldest son was a cop for 25 years and he retired about 5 years ago.

Grieving for him is very normal. I am sure it was a terrible loss for you, however, I would encourage you to not feel guilty over this.

The Bible teaches us that we all have the "Freedom of Choice". We all have to choose the things we do and do not do and unfortunately some people do not make the right choices.

He was just too difficult to be around. He hated everyone and felt superior to all. He was never faithful to his wife, or even his girlfriends. Only person I have known that cheated on the woman he was cheating on. (That was hard for me to know, because his wire and I have known each other slightly longer than I have known him.

When his dad passed away, he did not want to deal with it, so he told people he was out of town. He left all the work to his sister.

There is a certain level of irony in everything. Once he died, his ex-wife (Sonia) took care of everything. I was one of 3 people that spoke at his ceremony. He was cremated and his remains in Sonia's garage.

His house, which Sonia took over, had to practically be gutted. He had stopped wearing clothing, showering, or cleaning the house. In some places, the floor had rotted out.

It was a sad event. Javier did many great things in his life; however, he was unable to tame himself and that is what got him.

rtm3039

 

[Major]

He was just too difficult to be around. He hated everyone and felt superior to all. He was never faithful to his wife, or even his girlfriends. Only person I have known that cheated on the woman he was cheating on. (That was hard for me to know, because his wire and I have known each other slightly longer than I have known him.

When his dad passed away, he did not want to deal with it, so he told people he was out of town. He left all the work to his sister.

There is a certain level of irony in everything. Once he died, his ex-wife (Sonia) took care of everything. I was one of 3 people that spoke at his ceremony. He was cremated and his remains in Sonia's garage.

His house, which Sonia took over, had to practically be gutted. He had stopped wearing clothing, showering, or cleaning the house. In some places, the floor had rotted out.

It was a sad event. Javier did many great things in his life; however, he was unable to tame himself and that is what got him.

rtm3039

That my be true but it seems to me that you remained his friend and that is what God calls us to do.

 

[rtm3039]

That my be true but it seems to me that you remained his friend and that is what God calls us to do.

I guess, but it sometimes isn't easy, because he was the "best friend" at one time and my best man at my wedding. He was just hated everything. Unfortunately, this includes God. I use to be an agnostic, but he was more than an atheist. He just had no respect for any religion, used people all the time, and sucked the like out of any event. I just hope the Lord had mercy on him, because I am pretty sure his problem was beyond his control.

rtm3039

 

[bobinfaith]

By the way, my oldest son was a cop for 25 years and he retired about 5 years ago. Grieving for him is very normal. I am sure it was a terrible loss for you, however, I would encourage you to not feel guilty over this. The Bible teaches us that we all have the "Freedom of Choice". We all have to choose the things we do and do not do and unfortunately some people do not make the right choices.

Hello Major;

When you grieved for your son do you mean he passed away, or when he retired? I'm sorry if it was his passing away.

God bless you always, brother.

 

[rtm3039]

Hello Major;

When you grieved for your son do you mean he passed away, or when he retired? I'm sorry if it was his passing away.

God bless you always, brother.

Good morning bobinfaith and major.

Good morning brothers. Looks like I am up and not really able to go back to bed. It is odd that I am now usually up by 3am. I am not tired or unusually stressed, so I am OK and this does allow me to spend some quiet time reflecting and talking to God.

Bobinfaith, I believe major was talking about me grieving about the loss of my friend, Javier. Major, I agree with your words. After our discussion, I have spent time thinking about my old friend. I now include him in my prayers, which I should have started upon learning of this death two years ago. I hope that our Lord had mercy on him. He did not live a life dedicated to God, or anyone other than himself; however, he was a police officer for over 25 years and did help many people.

I am so grateful that my decision to accept God as my Lord and Savior came before it was too late for me too. I only wish I had made this decision many years ago. I am sure that having done so would have allowed me to enjoy the many blessings God has put in front of me even more.

Well, today is Wednesday. A whole new day and I have already thanked God for the opportunities he continues to provide me. My wife and daughter (she is visiting for spring break) are more and resting for the evening/morning. Today, our youngest son and his family will start their journey from NV to Miami and will be moving in with the wife and I. I look forward to having our two grad-kids in the house making a mess and filling my heart with the job only little children can bring.

I have a job interview this morning. This evening, I am headed to our church to complete my training to serve God and my church as a member of their security team. I am looking forward to the fellowship that will come from working with at least 200 other children of God who are serving out church.

Lastly, last night I received a text from my former boss, Alex. He shared with me that he received a call from a background investigation in connection with another interview I did to work for the Miami-Dade Public Schools. This would be a fantastic job, but I am a bit reluctant to place too much into this. This is yet another example of me knowing that I can do nothing to influence this and that it is God who is in control.

Anyway, I hope you are both enjoying a good night's sleep and that your Wednesday be full of joy and grace.

May God continue to bless both of you and your families,

rtm3039

 

[Major]

Hello Major;

When you grieved for your son do you mean he passed away, or when he retired? I'm sorry if it was his passing away.

God bless you always, brother.

Oooops…….my bad. I was actually referring to the ops loss of his friend who was a cop. I see now how it could be misunderstood.

My son is well and active !!!

 

[Major]

I guess, but it sometimes isn't easy, because he was the "best friend" at one time and my best man at my wedding. He was just hated everything. Unfortunately, this includes God. I use to be an agnostic, but he was more than an atheist. He just had no respect for any religion, used people all the time, and sucked the like out of any event. I just hope the Lord had mercy on him, because I am pretty sure his problem was beyond his control.

rtm3039

Unfortunately, there is NO grace beyond death.

 

[Major]

Good morning bobinfaith and major.

Good morning brothers. Looks like I am up and not really able to go back to bed. It is odd that I am now usually up by 3am. I am not tired or unusually stressed, so I am OK and this does allow me to spend some quiet time reflecting and talking to God.

Bobinfaith, I believe major was talking about me grieving about the loss of my friend, Javier. Major, I agree with your words. After our discussion, I have spent time thinking about my old friend. I now include him in my prayers, which I should have started upon learning of this death two years ago. I hope that our Lord had mercy on him. He did not live a life dedicated to God, or anyone other than himself; however, he was a police officer for over 25 years and did help many people.

I am so grateful that my decision to accept God as my Lord and Savior came before it was too late for me too. I only wish I had made this decision many years ago. I am sure that having done so would have allowed me to enjoy the many blessings God has put in front of me even more.

Well, today is Wednesday. A whole new day and I have already thanked God for the opportunities he continues to provide me. My wife and daughter (she is visiting for spring break) are more and resting for the evening/morning. Today, our youngest son and his family will start their journey from NV to Miami and will be moving in with the wife and I. I look forward to having our two grad-kids in the house making a mess and filling my heart with the job only little children can bring.

I have a job interview this morning. This evening, I am headed to our church to complete my training to serve God and my church as a member of their security team. I am looking forward to the fellowship that will come from working with at least 200 other children of God who are serving out church.

Lastly, last night I received a text from my former boss, Alex. He shared with me that he received a call from a background investigation in connection with another interview I did to work for the Miami-Dade Public Schools. This would be a fantastic job, but I am a bit reluctant to place too much into this. This is yet another example of me knowing that I can do nothing to influence this and that it is God who is in control.

Anyway, I hope you are both enjoying a good night's sleep and that your Wednesday be full of joy and grace.

May God continue to bless both of you and your families,

rtm3039

It is always a blessing to speak with you my brother.

I can tell you that you can stop praying for your friend. His choices while alive have sealed his fate.

I know exactly what you are going through with the sleeping thing. My wife and I go to bed around 9 and watch TV till 12, sleep a little and then wake up and watch TV again. Seems to a universal thing as we grow older.

 

[rtm3039]

It is always a blessing to speak with you my brother.

I can tell you that you can stop praying for your friend. His choices while alive have sealed his fate.

I know exactly what you are going through with the sleeping thing. My wife and I go to bed around 9 and watch TV till 12, sleep a little and then wake up and watch TV again. Seems to a universal thing as we grow older.

Yes, I know. It is sad, but there is nothing that can be done. I so wish I had been able to help him.

Even while still among the living, he had a miserable life. Since he use to work the midnight shift, he was never able to change that and, after retirement, he was always awake at nights and spend all the time in his "man cave" (converted garage) drinking. He was asleep during the day and did this for years. He had apparently stopped bathing or wearing cloths. He had a dog, Baxter, who died a year before him. Not sure why, as he was young and healthy. After that, he was just all alone.

It's hard to remember him, when we were young and full of like, and how he ended up.

As for the sleep thing, I use to sleep like a baby, until this job thing happened. Now, I am lucky to get 4 hrs a night.

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning bobinfaith and major.
I have a job interview this morning. This evening, I am headed to our church to complete my training to serve God and my church as a member of their security team. I am looking forward to the fellowship that will come from working with at least 200 other children of God who are serving out church. Lastly, last night I received a text from my former boss, Alex. He shared with me that he received a call from a background investigation in connection with another interview I did to work for the Miami-Dade Public Schools. rtm3039

Oooops…….my bad. I was actually referring to the ops loss of his friend who was a cop. I see now how it could be misunderstood. My son is well and active !!!

Hello Major;

God bless you and your son! Thank you for clarifying. Which reminds me, I'm going to call my Dad this morning.

Hello rtm3039;

When you get this before or after, we're praying your job interview goes great! I also feel that when your interviewer already vets your background, this could be a good sign because its an expense for them to inquire about you. This is not always so, but I'm going to be optimistic for you, brother.

I'm blessed to read that you are already receiving discipleship training from your pastor. Security team? This sounds interesting.

God bless you both!

 

[Major]

Yes, I know. It is sad, but there is nothing that can be done. I so wish I had been able to help him.

Even while still among the living, he had a miserable life. Since he use to work the midnight shift, he was never able to change that and, after retirement, he was always awake at nights and spend all the time in his "man cave" (converted garage) drinking. He was asleep during the day and did this for years. He had apparently stopped bathing or wearing cloths. He had a dog, Baxter, who died a year before him. Not sure why, as he was young and healthy. After that, he was just all alone.

It's hard to remember him, when we were young and full of like, and how he ended up.

As for the sleep thing, I use to sleep like a baby, until this job thing happened. Now, I am lucky to get 4 hrs a night.

I will send you an autographed 8 x 10 of me so that you can place it next to your bed. It will scare you to sleep!!!

 

[rtm3039]

I will send you an autographed 8 x 10 of me so that you can place it next to your bed. It will scare you to sleep!!!

Looking forward to it.

rtm

 

[rtm3039]

Hello Major;

God bless you and your son! Thank you for clarifying. Which reminds me, I'm going to call my Dad this morning.

Hello rtm3039;

When you get this before or after, we're praying your job interview goes great! I also feel that when your interviewer already vets your background, this could be a good sign because its an expense for them to inquire about you. This is not always so, but I'm going to be optimistic for you, brother.

I'm blessed to read that you are already receiving discipleship training from your pastor. Security team? This sounds interesting.

God bless you both!

Hey bobinfaith, thanks. I did the interview today, but the logistics do not appear favorable. It is 103 miles (round trip) and took me a little over 4 hours (2 each way), and the way back was not even during rush hour. That comes out to be at least 2,000 miles a month and at least 40 hours of commute time. This is not even counting gas, which would be close to two tank fulls a week. So, I am going to go ahead and pull my application on that one, as it's just two much. On the other job, the one where they did my background, I can only hope because that would be close to perfect.

Yes, the church has a large security team. It has five campuses and close to 200 security volunteers. Went to the class today and it is very interesting. Guess we will see. Apparently, the lead pastor (pastor Rick) has his own security team assigned to him. Did not know that and found it off. Last Sunday, as I drove into the parking lot, he was walking around un-escorted and we walked and talked for about 15 minutes. The head of security tells me Pastor Rick does not like the security ides and tends to wonder away on occasions.

rtm3039

 

[bobinfaith]

Hey bobinfaith, thanks. I did the interview today, but the logistics do not appear favorable. It is 103 miles (round trip) and took me a little over 4 hours (2 each way), and the way back was not even during rush hour. That comes out to be at least 2,000 miles a month and at least 40 hours of commute time. Yes, the church has a large security team. It has five campuses and close to 200 security volunteers. Went to the class today and it is very interesting. Guess we will see. Apparently, the lead pastor (pastor Rick) has his own security team assigned to him. Did not know that and found it off. Last Sunday, as I drove into the parking lot, he was walking around un-escorted and we walked and talked for about 15 minutes. The head of security tells me Pastor Rick does not like the security ides and tends to wonder away on occasions. rtm3039

Hey Ray;

Wow! Two hours one way. We'll continue to pray for the job that is vetting your background.

The security team ministry at your church is interesting. At our church we are around the corner from the police department. There was a time when we requested police presence and they assigned an officer. They PD will provide this service at no charge in lieu of these times. The officer who attended our service was blessed to worship but stayed on watch. The members gave him a warm welcome and had good conversations with him afterward.

God bless you and thank you for the update, brother.

 

[rtm3039]

Hey Ray;

Wow! Two hours one way. We'll continue to pray for the job that is vetting your background.

The security team ministry at your church is interesting. At our church we are around the corner from the police department. There was a time when we requested police presence and they assigned an officer. They PD will provide this service at no charge in lieu of these times. The officer who attended our service was blessed to worship but stayed on watch. The members gave him a warm welcome and had good conversations with him afterward.

God bless you and thank you for the update, brother.

This church has a full-time security specialist who runs security for all the campuses. The volunteers include members of the church who are police officers. They do their security armed. Most of us, well at least myself, have either a concealed weapons permit or, again in my case, a national concealed permits which is part of a federal law called the Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act (aka: HR 218).

Every shift has off-duty cops who are responsible for making arrests. The rest of the staff supports them, but try to avoid getting involved.

rtm3039

 

[rtm3039]

It is always a blessing to speak with you my brother.

I can tell you that you can stop praying for your friend. His choices while alive have sealed his fate.

I know exactly what you are going through with the sleeping thing. My wife and I go to bed around 9 and watch TV till 12, sleep a little and then wake up and watch TV again. Seems to a universal thing as we grow older.

Now I can't stop thinking of the fear be must of felt, when facing judgement. Part of me hopes that, as he laid on the ground, he had enough left in him to ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, I know that he was very intoxicated and I suspect he passed out, once his head struck the rock.

As for the sleep, well that is another story. Right now, everyone is asleep and resting. Me, I know that no matter when I go to sleep, I will probably be awake by 3am and not be able to go back to sleep. So, I stay up until I am really tired and hope for the best. I have to be honest with you, my brother, me being the only one that is currently unemployed makes me feel a bit useless. I know that there are untold numbers of people with far greater tribulations to handle, but this is mine and I sometimes feel useless. I know I am not, but it is how I feel at the moment.

Ok, I am moving on for the night. Tell you what, when I wake up, I will log i n the put the time here and we will see how that goes.

Actually, I just bought a new Bible (NIV) and want to look around it for a while.

Have a great evening and tomorrow.

God bless.

 

[rtm3039]

Now I can't stop thinking of the fear be must of felt, when facing judgement. Part of me hopes that, as he laid on the ground, he had enough left in him to ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, I know that he was very intoxicated and I suspect he passed out, once his head struck the rock.

As for the sleep, well that is another story. Right now, everyone is asleep and resting. Me, I know that no matter when I go to sleep, I will probably be awake by 3am and not be able to go back to sleep. So, I stay up until I am really tired and hope for the best. I have to be honest with you, my brother, me being the only one that is currently unemployed makes me feel a bit useless. I know that there are untold numbers of people with far greater tribulations to handle, but this is mine and I sometimes feel useless. I know I am not, but it is how I feel at the moment.

Ok, I am moving on for the night. Tell you what, when I wake up, I will log i n the put the time here and we will see how that goes.

Actually, I just bought a new Bible (NIV) and want to look around it for a while.

Have a great evening and tomorrow.

God bless.

Yup, I'm up.

rtm3039

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello rtm3039;

Yup, I'm up too. I was checking in and saw you online. Its a blessing sharing with you.

I'm going to log off and get some rest.

God bless you and good night, brother.

 

[rtm3039]

Hello rtm3039;

Yup, I'm up too. I was checking in and saw you online. Its a blessing sharing with you.

I'm going to log off and get some rest.

God bless you and good night, brother.

Have a great day, my friend.

Bless..