Medical Leader Weekly Columns

Be a Good Samaritan

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:41 GMT

A recent situation with one of our fellow chaplains has caused me to reflect on one of Jesus' most impactful stories, "The Good Samaritan."

It is a powerful story meant to teach us the importance of doing what's right when we find a fellow human in need. It is, arguably, Jesus' strongest command to be merciful. You all should know the basics of the story.

There was a man in need by the side of the road who was ignored by several passersby. A Samaritan, the least likely person in Jesus' day to help a Jew, offered assistance.

Our colleague, Patrick Chellah, found himself on the side of the road twice. His car was broken down and many people passed by, but on both occasions a stranger stopped to help.

If you've ever been in Patrick's shoes, you know how vulnerable and frustrated you can be in these circumstances. I remember a time when I was stranded far from home and no one stopped to help me.

As I look back on that memory, I learned giving help to folks in great need is a blessing to the one in need of mercy and to me.

I'm sorry that Patrick had such a hard time getting home, but I'm glad a couple of passersby acted as Jesus encouraged us all to act, with mercy and kindness.

May you be blessed in your time of need and I pray you will be a "Good Samaritan" to someone else.

To our local angels of mercy, may God bless you!

God's love is great

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:14:36 GMT

When I think of love, I automatically think of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him would not perish, but have everlasting life."

Because of God's love, there is a way of salvation, a way back to God through Jesus Christ, his only son.

But God will not force himself upon us against our will. If we want his love, we need to believe in him. We need to make a definite act of commitment and surrender to the love of God.

No one can do it for us. We can hear all of the days of our lives about the love of God and yet die lost without Christ, or we can open our hearts today and say, "Yes, my heart is open; I receive Christ."

The Bible says that God is love (1 John 4:8). "He loves you. He loves me. He is interested in us. He has the hairs of our heads numbered" (Matthew 10:30).

"He loves with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3), and he wants to forgive us. He wants to come into our life, our home, our work and into a relationship with us.

I remember the night that I committed my life to Christ.

It was at a Sunday night meeting. I went forward, because I deeply wanted Christ in my life.

I knew that I didn't know Christ, that I didn't have a personal relationship with him.

That night I got on my knees at that old wooden altar and I said, "Lord God, I don't know much about what I am doing here tonight and I don't know much about you, but please change me and make me a new person."

From that night on I was different. I had different interests and different friends.

God had taken over my life and began to move in my life in the most marvelous way.

I asked the preacher what should I do on this new journey, and he said, "Read your Bible, pray and use good common sense."

That was 55 years ago and it is still working today.

- Chaplain Kaminski Robinson may be reached at 606-218-3969 or by e-mail at kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org.

The price of sin

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:58:59 GMT

There is one thing that we are all guilty of: Sin. That is one thing that we as humans have in common and it separates us from God and hinders the effectiveness of our prayers.

We may enjoy sin for a time, but you never get away with it. I have heard people on their death-beds moan and cry over sins they committed years ago and beg God for forgiveness. Some even feel that their sins were so grievous that God will not forgive them. God is loving, caring and merciful, but he is also just and will not tolerate unconfessed sin.

What is sin? The answer is simple: "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). Anything we do that is contrary to the scriptures is sin and we cannot live a sinful life. Romans 6:12 says, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

We live in a time in which sin is all around us. There is so much temptation in so many areas of life and we must resist these temptations with full vigor, constantly keeping in prayer and our guards up. Remember, a temptation itself is not a sin, but acting upon it is. Sin and its consequences are affecting people at a younger and younger age. Think of what schoolchildren are exposed to on a daily basis: all the filth on television, the cinemas, internet, practically anything you can name. Children should not have to deal with all the adult temptations and sins that are forced on them.

What is the price of sin? The answer to that question is death. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death�" Death is a permanent separation from God; a price which we cannot afford to pay. If we die in our sins, our eternity will be spent in hell. Revelation 20:15 says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Also, I Corinthians 6:9 says, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God?"

How do we remedy our sins? We must repent! We must be truly sorry for our actions, ask for forgiveness and try to correct the mistake. A classic scripture is I John 1:9,"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Notice the second part of the verse about cleansing of unrighteousness. That means once you confess your sin, do not go out and commit the same sin again. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." (I John 3:6)

Eternity is such a long time wouldn't you rather spend it in Heaven? Confess your sins before God right now. Admit to him you are a sinner and want to be forgiven and cleansed.

Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Please ask Jesus to come into your heart today. You will be glad you did.

~Pikeville Medical Center Chaplain Stephen Thacker may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Broken Pen

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:50:45 GMT

It all began with a bump.

I was writing a note to myself as I began to walk down the hall and I bumped into a nurse.

Neither of us were hurt but the pen suffered a catastrophic break. If you read our articles you know I have a thing about my pens.

I felt it slip from my fingers and watched as if in slow motion it twirled toward the hard tile floor and certain disaster.

The pen itself is blood red and Italian made, kind of like a Ferrari for your fingers, and very fragile.

When it finally hit the floor it shattered into several pieces.

I scooped up all these various parts of my beloved pen only to realize I could never fix it.

It was so broken only the maker of the pen could even possibly restore it.

All the pieces will soon go into a small box and that box will make the long journey to Italy and in a month or so return to me just like new!

Our human condition is very similar to that of my pen, we are all very fragile and prone to becoming broken and for us that brokenness is sin.

We all must confess our brokenness and realize that we cannot fix ourselves - only the creator can fix our brokenness.

Our repair doesn't require a long trip to the factory, only a heartfelt cry to God.

God, I want to be whole, forgive me, repair me, please.

Believe in Jesus and experience the joy of being restored and useful once again.

- Chaplain Randy Johnson may be reached at 606-218-3969 or by e-mail at randy.johnson@pikevillehospital.org.

The Cross

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:24:01 GMT


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When we think of the Cross, we automatically think of a suffering Christ, and a shameful way to die.

We live in a day when the Church is producing a brand of religion that humanizes God, defiles man, and compromises sin. We live in a day when most pulpits come equipped with soft pedals from which casual clergy men toss their taffy into the laps of congregations desperately ill from spiritual diabetes - too much sugar!

This has produced a generation of spiritual dwarfs who stand for nothing and fall for everything. This anemic program has produced a wave of professing Christians, 95% of whom never win a soul to Christ.

The answer is not in rummage sales or raffles, bazaars or bingo, but in a return to the right conception of what the Cross really stands for.

I know this is strong, but we as a majority have stood by and let the minority take prayer out of our schools, and our government to some extent.

The person on the Cross is significant to us because of His Position. Jesus is head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the first born from the dead: that in all things he might have preeminence. I Colossians 1:16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and in earth. He is God incarnate. The universe is his possession. We are his possession.

The purpose of the Cross is to be the propitiation for our sins. To be the purchase of our salvation. To perpetuate God's plan.

The power of the Cross was power for pardon, the power for purity, the power for perseverance. We must be rooted and grounded in the faith.

I pray that we will recognize the value of the cross of Christ as we approach this Easter; remember we are celebrating the resurrerction of our Lord and Savior.

Christ's power unlike earthly kingdoms, is not passing.

Every generation must deal with the fact of the eternal Christ and His demands, upon their lives. and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

- Chaplain Kaminski Robinson may be reached at 606-218-3969 or by e-mail at kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org.

Royal dignity in being a foot washer

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:44:11 GMT

During Jesus' last Passover meal, he demonstrates a love that amazes me. Every time I read it, I stand in awe of this expression of love for his disciples that points to the sacrifice soon to take place on the cross.

Jesus is the King, the King of Kings. He is washing the dirty feet of his disciples (yes, they were dirty) and drying them with a towel.

This is the King, whose scepter, his symbol of authority and power�is a towel. The towel dramatizes the reason for the King's purpose for coming to us. This act of washing the disciples' feet is no isolated event. What he did that night was a picture of the journey he made from the Father into the world and back to the Father.

In the room that night, Darrell Johnson writes, "The eternal son of God, the King of Kings, stripped off his garments and got on his knees to wash the dirt from the men who should have been serving him. That act was nothing new, for it symbolizes the whole of his career."

He had told the disciples that he did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life, a ransom for many. In John 10 Jesus reminds the disciples and us that "I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one has taken it from me. I lay it down on my own initiative. I have authority to lay it down and to take it up again."

When Jesus washed his disciples' feet, he was saying: "I lay down my life for you. I will go to the cross for you." Jesus said, "If I, your Lord, washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet." He did not say since I have washed your feet, you should wash my feet. Had he said that, they would have been fighting each other for the privilege of being first with the towel and basin. Instead He says, "You should wash one another's feet."

Leslie Newbigin makes another observation, which is literally changing my whole idea of human relationships. Listen to what Newbigin says: "Jesus has laid aside his life for us all, and the debt which we owe to him is to be discharged by our subjection to our neighbors in loving service. Our neighbor is the appointed agent authorized to receive what we owe the Master."

Yes, we owe Jesus Christ for what he has done for us, and yes, our neighbor is the appointed agent authorized to receive what we owe our Master.

~ Chaplain Sam Crawford may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Love thy neighbor

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:20:17 GMT

Most of us have an annoying neighbor which I am sure you all can relate to. There is always that one who constantly stares, peeps through the bushes and cannot live their life for being absorbed in yours.

Sometimes they will try to do things in an attempt to harass or intimidate you. They covet what you have and want you to covet what they have. They sometimes play their music too loudly or sneak around when you are not home. There seems to be one in every neighborhood. What does the Bible say about this?

In the Gospel of Saint Mark it says, "And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he (Jesus) had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him,

The first of all commandments is, Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment, and the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Saint Mark, 12:28-31)

Therefore; we are to love our neighbor second only to God, no matter how pesky or obnoxious they are. We are to pray for them.

Repentance and salvation are what matters, especially the older we get. To love your neighbor is the opposite of selfishness. You never know when your neighbor may need you to save his life or vice-versa.

Always live as peaceably as you can with other people.

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:17-21).

These are truly words to live by because if we live according to the Bible, God will take care of us and will fight our battles for us.

Be a model neighbor, do good and be helpful to those around you. If your neighbor is hungry, feed him, treat him to a sumptuous meal; if he is sick, offer to mow his lawn, if his house or car needs repair, help as best as you can.

The key to it all is Christian love!

~PMC Chaplain Steve Thacker may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Beauty from Ashes

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:56:34 GMT

Last week, many churches celebrated the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services. A solemn ceremony, Ash Wednesday reminds us of the humble origin of mankind as stated in Genesis 3:19, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return," and opens the season of Lent with a deep renewal of our dedication to Christ.

We humans are self-centered in our sinful nature, tending to think and live as though "everything is about me" when nothing is farther from the truth. In reality, everything is about glorifying God.

I don't like to think that my body will one day turn to dust. But then I think of Jesus, God in the flesh, and what he, by choice, suffered in a human body at the hands of mankind. Because he loved us so much he was willing to endure unimaginable torture and literally die an agonizing death. Why?

Only Christ could build the bridge over the cavern of sin between sinful mankind and holy God. Since he who was sinless took on my sins, I have no excuse to shrink from suffering in my temporary earthly life. He who created me died for me. How am I justified to seek the momentary comforts of earth? I should rather dedicate myself to a holy life, lived to glorify him.

A life lived in him continues forever, for to be absent from the flesh is to be present with Christ [2 Corinthians 5:8].

When I lived in Houston, I often fellowshipped with the Catholic community of St. Anne's.

Quite an amazing place, the church was one of very few "living missions" in existence; meaning an original mission church still used for worshipping Christ, as opposed to being turned into a museum, like the Alamo.

One very warm Ash Wednesday, I attended the noon ceremony. The church was filled with eager Christians ready to receive the sign of the cross in ash on their foreheads and begin the devotions of Lent.

One lovely young woman came forward carrying a baby. The priest marked the woman with an ashen cross, gave the baby a simple blessing, and they were ready to move on - but a beautiful thing happened.

The baby - quite new to the world - erupted in a beaming whole-body smile (as only babies seem to have), grabbed the priest's wrist with both baby hands, and pulled his ash-stained fingers forward. Delightful laughter circled the quiet church as everyone enjoyed the scene and the priest, now beaming himself, traced a tiny cross of ashes on the smiling baby's head.

That scene stays with me, and I doubt I will ever receive ashes without remembering that amazing baby face, joyfully demanding to be included in the cross.

The Lord gives us this reminder:

"Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

-Mark 10:14-16; see also Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16-17.

- Chaplain Andrea Tackett may be reached at 606-218-3969

Think heart healthy

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:53 GMT

February is heart month, the month we observe Valentine's Day, the symbol being a heart.

The Chaplaincy Department has been reminded of the importance of a healthy heart both physically and spiritually.

Our director, Kaminski Robinson, and his wife, Jo Nell, have been recipients of wonderful heart care at Pikeville Medical Center.

Their stories were featured in last week's Medical Leader. We are grateful for the great care they received resulting in the restoration of their physical health.

Heart month also reminds us of the importance of a healthy heart spiritually.

Just as the physical heart is essential for physical health, our spiritual heart is essential for good spiritual health.

To experience spiritual health is to know God's unconditional love. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."

When was the last time you heard the words "I love you"? Many hear them every day. Many others go weeks, even months without hearing these words. Charles Stanley writes in a daily devotional book, I Lift Up My Soul:

"In the Friendship Factor, Alan Loy McGinnis reports:

In 1925 a tiny sanitarium for mental patients was established on a farm outside Topeka, Kansas.

At a time when "rest cure" was in vogue in psychiatry, a team of physicians were determined to create a family atmosphere among their patients.

The nurses were given specific directions on how they were to behave toward specific patients: "Let him know that you value and like him." "Be kind but firm with this woman-do not let her become worse."

Menninger Clinic, using such "revolutionary" methods, has become world famous. Carl Menninger, summing up, said, "Love is the medicine for the sickness of mankind. We can live if we can love."

Charles Stanley concludes:

"God told us from the beginning that in love - His love - we find the answer to all our needs as well as healing for our souls. When your heart is anchored to the heart of Jesus Christ, you will find Him near and always eager to confirm His personal love for you. The love of this world will pass away, but God's love is guaranteed never to fade. He is the source of all true, lasting love."

Hold fast to His love that answers all our needs and healing for our broken souls.

Why not make every month a heart-healing month, both physically and spiritually?

- Chaplain Sam Crawford may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Walking the walk

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:09:52 GMT

Being a Christian is more than merely attending church on Sunday or giving large sums of money to ministries. It is a lifestyle of total devotion to God.

After all, the word "Christian" means "Christ like." It is a life of total separation from the things of the world and following the teachings and commandments of the Bible, sanctified and secured by the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who shed his precious blood on the cross for our sins.

After we repent of our sins and accept Jesus into our hearts as Saviour, what do we do next? The first step of obedience is to be baptized. Galatians 3:27 reads, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Also Ephesians 4:5 says, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Baptism is our outward expression that we are not ashamed for people to know that we are now a Christian. It symbolizes our death to sin, our burial, and our resurrection into a new life.

We should develop a habit of Bible reading. God gave us the Bible to read and study because it is our spiritual food. First Peter 2:2 says, "As new born babes, desire sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." Take time to read the Bible from cover to cover. It may take a while to read it because it is not just one book, but a collection of 66 books, so take your time and read from it on a daily basis. Also pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to understand as you read, you will be amazed.

Christians need to heed what Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (St. John 14:15).

This is a direct order because it is not merely saying we love Jesus, but we should obey what the Bible says. In other words, practice what you preach. Jesus said, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth his father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightiest be profited by me; and honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (St. Matthew 15:3-8).

As you can see, we must obey his commandments if we are to walk the walk. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus chapter 20, and in Deuteronomy chapter 5. Jesus also said in St. John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

As Christians, we are to avoid sin and live a holy life. First Thessalonians 5:22 sums it up nicely,: "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Walking the walk as a Christian is a very rewarding, humbling lifestyle. I encourage you all to follow Jesus and his teachings. You will be blessed.

- Chaplain Stephen Thacker may be reached at 606-218- 3969

Roots

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:53:36 GMT

I have become quite obsessed with genealogy lately. I've always had a passion for my family's heritage, but recently it has become a daily hobby.

This week I was connected to someone who would be, oh, my cousin 20 times removed or so. He is also obsessed with our mutual roots and has been tracking historical data much of his life. As we began sharing various links, photos, and evidence, I was absolutely thrilled with the richness of our heritage.

Heritage is something we can be proud of, not only in the natural, i.e., our earthly families, but so much more in the eternal realm. Consider this selection from Romans 11:16-22:

"If the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness."

The Old Testament is packed with amazing promises for God's people, Israel. Our church's assigned reading for this week follows the lives of Moses and Joshua, how God used them to deliver His people from a land of slavery into a land of promise. Throughout the verses, we see the Israelites failing over and over again, turning from God's eternal commands to chase temporary pleasures of this world. Let us not be proud, judgmental, "haughty" the Bible says. Let us consider our own lives, how often we fail to follow Christ, how often He forgives us. No human is perfect; but each one of us has the offer to be redeemed through the Son of God.

I was talking with a Jewish lady once and told her I was jealous of her heritage. She responded quickly, "It is your heritage too. You have been grafted in." Amen!

Let us celebrate our godly heritage through Christ, who suffered on a death tree that we might be grafted into His family tree and live eternally.

- Chaplain Andrea Tackett may be reached at 606-218-3969

John 16:22

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:07 GMT

One month ago we were in the midst of a holiday-driven frenzy, purchasing gifts and attending parties.

Now life is a little more subdued.

What about those many gifts- do they all still work? Do they bring the same pleasure that was so abundant on Christmas morning? How many of these gifts are broken or have already been exchanged?

The joy of Christmas is so easily lost when it is generated by material "things."

If our only source of joy is wrapped up in things of this earth, we might as well go ahead and prepare for grief.

Earthly joy could last a long time, but eventually will return to dust and be of no value to anyone but the gardener.

If you want to have joy that doesn't fade, shrink or in some other way become de-valued, God offers it freely to each and every man, woman and child.

That joyous gift is none other than Jesus Christ.

The joy can be yours by faith in him as the Christ, God's chosen one.

Believe in Jesus and joy will be yours that no man can take away.

You may have trouble but it will be temporary. Your joy will be eternal.

Believe in Jesus, and know the joy of salvation and forgiveness.

Know the joy of living in the presence and care of God for eternity.

Know the promise of Christ "�no one can take away your joy." John 16:22

Pikeville Medical Center Chaplain Randy Johnson may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Battle for the crown

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:16:31 GMT

Bill Crowder, Sport Spectrum chaplain, writing in his blog "Battle for the Crown" reminds us of an imperishable crown.

This past Monday evening drew to a close one of the busiest sports weeks in the history of New Orleans. Last Tuesday night, Michigan defeated Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, then, on Saturday night, the hometown New Orleans Saints defeated the Detroit Lions in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The BCS championship game between Alabama and LSU closed that busy week with a win by Alabama.

Though there was much discussion ranging from outrage against the matchup to resignation over the game, to exhilaration of, arguably, college football's two top teams, the game has been played and the battle for the national crown was won by Alabama.

The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that followers of Christ are also battling for a crown-but it is a very different battle, and it is a very different crown. He wrote: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable prize, but we do it for an imperishable crown." I Corinthians 9:24-25

Paul used sports as a metaphor for life. He reminds us at the end of the race is a crown, but not a title that fades away, disappears, gets replaced, or becomes stolen. In a sense, we serve for a crown that will never fade away-a crown that, though received by the people of God, is given in honor of Christ himself. It could be argued that all of life is a battle, and it is. But as we seek to live for Christ we can be certain that he will not forget or ignore the faithful service of his child. An imperishable crown will one day, in his presence, bear witness to the fact that the battles of life were worth it.

Paul tells us in I Corinthians 15 that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. As we continue our venture into the year 2012 we are reminded that the faithful service of his children matters in time and in eternity and will not go unrewarded.

Our love for God and for each other is the most important thing we will do in the coming year.

Only one life will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last. My prayer is that our best energy and efforts will be that which honors God and is a blessing to people as we run the race of 2012.

- Chaplain Sam Crawford may be reached at 606-218-3969

New Year's resolution

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:44:21 GMT

Does anyone ever keep their New Year's resolution? People will vow to lose weight, quit smoking, quit drinking and the list goes on and on. If I may proffer a suggestion; let your New Year's resolution be to make more time for God. Not only is it easier to keep, but it will have everlasting results!

Time should be set aside for daily prayer because God wants us to talk to him and have a relationship with him.

Think about whom you talk to the most: your friends and relatives. Not only is God our Heavenly Father, but he wants us to be his friend as well. Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you, Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (St. John 15:14-15). Also, it is important to pray before every meal and give thanks to God that he has met your need. Pray before you go to sleep and pray when you start a trip, no matter how long or short. First Thessalonians 5:17 sums it up pretty well; "Pray without ceasing."

A good resolution would be to commit to reading and studying the Bible. I know most people could set aside a few minutes to read from God's Holy Word. The Bible teaches us how to live and shows us examples throughout the ages of how God uses people in various ways, and none were perfect, except Jesus!

The Bible teaches us how to resist Satan and I think this is superbly illustrated in Matthew chapter four in which Jesus is tempted by the devil and he used Scripture to fight off the temptation.

The more you read, the more will retain and may come in handy at any moment.

This new year, take time to go to church every Sunday and if possible attend mid-week services. Coincidently, New Year's Day falls on Sunday this year: perfect timing! Church is where we worship with other believers and learn together the wonders that God has in store for us. The Bible says; "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

The best New Year's resolution could be to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart if you have not already done so. There is no greater resolution than that.

Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year. And please resolve to dedicate time this year and years to come to God!

Chaplain Stephen Thacker may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Holding mighty to our faith

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:47:19 GMT

"Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

~ Jesus, Matthew 10:17-22

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to follow the daily liturgical readings of Advent and Christmas, which begin a month before Christmas Day and continue through the week after New Year's.

The season of Advent represents the waiting in expectant hope for the coming of our Messiah. Christmas, of course, is the celebration of his earthly birth. The day following Christmas, December 26, is the feast day of Stephen, or St. Stephen, whose life and terrible death bear great weight in the history and faith of Christianity.

Stephen was the first martyr, the first to give his life for his faith in Christ.

He was arrested for sharing his faith, testified boldly for the truth of Christ in a Jewish court, found guilty of blasphemy, and was stoned to death.

We read such in scripture and church history, but, similar to the crucifixion, it is difficult for us to imagine the extent of such wretched suffering. But Stephen did not falter. He held tightly to his faith in Christ, even when it meant dying an excruciating death.

I always find it interesting, even a little shaking, that Stephen is the saint we are called to remember the very day after Christmas. I wonder if it is not a reflection of the Christian walk: we celebrate Jesus, then we are persecuted.

I have remarked often in recent times that church persecution is no longer a distant trial in far away countries; it is at our back door, alive and thriving right here in America this very day.

Perhaps this is because we are no longer a nation that serves God, but have given in to evil little by little until it has defiled and redefined us.

The Advent and Christmas season represents the history of the Christian faith. I find the memorials of Christmas day followed by the feast of St. Stephen to be the extreme bookends: I celebrate my Savior; now, am I willing to die for Him?

The second reading for December 26 reminds us of the ultimate support and help we can expect from Jesus if we choose to endure. Let it comfort us and remind us to never surrender his eternal truths for temporary comfort in a temporary world.

Psalm 31:3-8 reads:

Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name's sake lead me and guide me,

take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for You are my refuge.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

You hate those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the Lord.

I will rejoice and be glad for Your steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction, You have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place.

Peace of Christ to you.

~ Chaplain Andrea Tacket may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Gifts we give

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:27:48 GMT

Christmas is known as the season for giving. But you never know the impact a gift might make on another life.

I have been taken (via my mind's time machine) back to 1969 and a gift that still makes me stop to marvel to this very day.

My brother and I rode dilapidated junk yard-built bicycles, and began a campaign for new ones like all the rest of our friends were riding.

We must have been good salesmen, for they finally came our way, matching bikes, electric lime green with banana seats and tall handlebars.

There we were, two beaming, thankful boys pedaling on the coolest new Stingray bicycles in the neighborhood.

We were the recipients of a great gift! I don't have the bike anymore (wish I did), but what I do have is more important. My father taught us both a life lesson about the love of God.

We had no idea how hard it was for my father to make this happen - two brand new bikes. I think of the real gift often, and it is not the bike!

The real gift is that of sacrifice and denial of self.

The real gift is also about suffering to benefit others and how much we need to feel such joy.

All this and more came from a sacrificial gift. God gave the world His son, Jesus, and the impact that His gift has made changes in our world every day.

As each year passes I marvel more and more at this great love of God who would give such a gift to all humanity.

All this from the sacrificial gift of a bicycle - amazing! What are we teaching through the gifts we give?

I hope every one sees God in your gifts.

Merry Christmas to all.

- Chaplain Randy Johnson may be reached at 606-218-3969 or by e-mail at randy.johnson@pikevillehospital.org

Win Christmas

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:14:52 GMT

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations, extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that I would be working the night of the production.

Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher.

She assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, He seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.

Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross legged on the floor. Then each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row center state held up large letters, one by one, to spell out title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her: a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of first through sixth graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W" Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen in that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear -

C H R I S T W A S L O V E

And, I believe, He still is today. Amazed in His presence, Humbled by His love

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.

- Chaplan Kaminski Robinson may be reached at 606-218-3969 or by e-mail at kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org.

Endless Mercy

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:15:54 GMT

The book titled "What is God Really Like" edited by, Craig Groshel, seeks to answer the most important question that comes to the mind of man.

In chapter 17 Stovall Weems writes about the mercy of God.

Early in the Christmas story Mary gives praise to God as she hears John The Baptist's mother, Elizabeth, confirm that she is the mother of her Lord.

She reminds us of God's mercy on those who fear Him, from generation to generation as it states in Luke 1:50.

Zacharias, father of John The Baptist, who was the forerunner of Jesus, prophesized of God's mercy in Luke 1:78. He tells us that the tender mercy of God would be revealed in the lives of John and Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the abundant mercy of God described in

Psalm 1-3:11 "As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him."

Weems tells us The sun is 93 million miles from the earth.

That is many miles, but it doesn't stop there. The next closest star to the earth, besides the sun, is around 26 trillion miles away. Think about it!

The psalmist compares how high or how far the heavens are above the earth to God's mercy. Twenty-six trillion miles of mercy is a lot of mercy.

The message of Christmas is mercy wrapped in a tiny baby in Bethlehem. This mercy is for those who have lost hope in the future because their best efforts cannot make them the person they want to be. God wants to give us a fresh start. There is no sin or mistake that God's mercy can't cover. You can't use it up�ever�

A.W. Tozer wrote "God's mercy is boundless, free and through Jesus Christ our Lord available to us now in our present situation."

May you have a mercy filled Christmas.

- Chaplain Sam Crawford may be reached at 606-218-3969.

Lift someone's spirit

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:24:09 GMT

At this festive time of year, we gather with our families and celebrate Christ's nativity with a nice dinner, presents and the singing of traditional carols as the Yule log burns with a warm, cheerful glow in the fireplace.

Sometimes during our frolic and merry-making, we forget those who have lost loved ones, their job, or are going through a difficult time in their lives.

Depression is keenly felt and there seems to be a higher mortality rate at this time of year than any other when it is supposed to be the happiest.

Everyone from time to time feels down or has a case of the "blues," but chronic depression is a mental disorder which causes the victim to feel sad and hopeless. It can be crippling to those suffering from it.

Sometimes people who are depressed will often have thoughts of suicide or even carry those thoughts out.

Sadly, depressed people generally do not seek help and alienate themselves from friends and family. Interestingly, women seem to be more prone to depressionthan men and are more likely to seek help.

The Christmas season coincides with the winter solstice and depending on your latitude, the days are shorter and nights are longer.

Add to this the cold, damp weather and depression can take a greater hold on its victims.

Studies have shown that people are usually happier when the sun is shining and have a more positive outlook.

We can help depressed people by just showing that we care. It is a wonderful feeling to surprise someone with a fruit basket or a box of chocolates (provided they are not a diabetic). Send someone a Christmas card or go caroling around the neighborhood.

Demonstrate the joy that comes from inside through the love of Jesus, which should be in the hearts of those who are born again.

If you feel depressed, the worst thing you can do is to do nothing.

Volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, help someone else and you will see what a difference it will make in your life.

Jesus said to cast our cares upon him, because he cares for us (see I Peter 5:7). Do not be afraid to ask for help.

I hope this article has been informative and helpful. I pray that all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Start it off right by helping someone else.

- Chaplain Stephen Thacker may be reached at 606-218-3960.

Our lives are so blessed

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:20:36 GMT

Thanksgiving is a week of travel - both to visit with family and covering high school football playoffs.

My wife Lisa and I will journey to Wyoming County in West Virginia to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my mom and other family members.

That's just the start of Thanksgiving for us.

Once we enjoy our traditional family fest it's back on the road to Martin County and dinner with Lisa's parents and family.

Needless to say, plenty of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and dessert for us both.

It has always been one of my favorite holidays.

It's the one time of the year that it's okay to eat as much as you want. Well, that's what I've always been told.

Too often we get caught up in our own little lives, and the day- to-day running about.

It's nice to dedicate a day to getting together with loved ones, having a good time, and giving thanks for all the good that we have in our lives.

Thanksgiving is the last big holiday before the big holiday - Christmas. It's the official beginning of the holiday shopping season for me.

Thanksgiving itself is special. There's always too much food, too much turkey, too much football. And those go hand-in-hand during this time of the year.

Sure, I'll over eat with everyone else on Thanksgiving. I know that's not a good thing from a health standpoint.

Maybe the real reason we love this holiday so much, and claim it as our own, is because somewhere, on some level, we realize that it is more than being from this country.

Maybe we realize that at its core Thanksgiving is about being from God. Thanksgiving is about realizing that we are loved unconditionally by the very one who gave us life.

It's about always having a place at the world's greatest banquet table and we don't have to bring a thing but our hungry hearts.

To be with family, friends and strangers and enjoy the moment makes this holiday special. To walk away tired but with new memories is special.

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the gift of time, food and people, or for having a place and time to give thanks.

Thanksgiving is at the heart of what it is to be human.

In September of 2009 I had triple bypass surgery.

Yes, I have so much to be thankful for.

Life is a gift. Thanksgiving is one of the many blessings that God allows us to have in life.

For all God's love, past, present and future, for that reality in our lives, giving thanks is the only answer.

So, let us give thanks this holiday season and all days, it is the only answer, the only response to what we are given.

A blessed and joyous day and life of gratitude to each and every one. After all, it is the only way to truly and fully live.

- Teddy Paynter may be reached at 606-218-4932 or by e-mail at teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org