Adam Davis's Blog, page 16

December 20 Devotion

Who Do You Say He Is?  Our world is a mess. At times, it seems like there’s no good left in this world, but that is the perception the enemy would have you buy. You see, if he can frustrate you and I to the point we quit overcoming evil with good, then there is […]

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Devotion 12/20/17

Who Do You Say He Is?  Our world is a mess. At times, it seems like there’s no good left in this world, but that is the perception the enemy would have you buy. You see, if he can frustrate you and I to the point we quit overcoming evil with good, then there is […]

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December 19 Devotion

Maybe it has seemed for a long time now that God is ignoring your prayers. Maybe it has seemed like life has been one grind after another, the cards always stacked against you. When things go wrong in life, when we face challenges, it can be easy to fall into that negative mindset and begin […]

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Devotion 12/19/17

Maybe it has seemed for a long time now that God is ignoring your prayers. Maybe it has seemed like life has been one grind after another, the cards always stacked against you. When things go wrong in life, when we face challenges, it can be easy to fall into that negative mindset and begin […]

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Morning Devotional 12/19/17

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Maybe it has seemed for a long time now that God is ignoring your prayers. Maybe it has seemed like life has been one grind after another, the cards always stacked against you. When things go wrong in life, when we face challenges, it can be easy to fall into that negative mindset and begin to look for someone or something to blame, when, at the end of the day, the root of the issue is often in our own hearts. It took drastic measures in my life to see God through a perspective that changed everything for me. You don’t have to wait until you are at the end of your rope or use God as your last resort measure, you can call on Him today. If it seems like He doesn’t answer, remember a few things. First, He does hear everything you say, but, what seed is in our hearts when we ask? What is our angle, or our intention and motivation? Forgiveness and bitterness are two sure fire things that will keep you from experiencing the best God has for you. 

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for always hearing me, for meeting my needs, for all the goodness you bring in my life. Search my heart for any unclean thing, for any unclean motive, for sin; wash me, Father, cleanse me. So then, I may come before you with clean hands and a pure heart and my worship will be pleasing to you. -Amen

I often wonder, when it comes to prayer, how we sound in the ears of God. And, I also wonder, if He were to respond in a conversational tone, how He would sound to us. Below is how I believe God would respond if He could reply to today’s prayer.

The Father’s Heart:

“My child, I have seen your struggles and pain. I have heard your prayers and have everything you need. Draw up next to me, let us sit and talk. Everything you need, I have, but all I want is to have a relationship with you. It is my desire for you to be complete and have the desires of your heart, but I do not want you to fall into the perils of darkness that are in this world. Follow my instructions, it is all before you, and I am here for you any time you need Me.” 

 

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Unbroken: The Resolve of The Thin Blue Line

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No amount of college education or textbook study can prepare you for your experience on duty.

It wasn’t long after I stepped into the squad briefing room that I realized things were vastly different than I had perceived. I can still smell the scent of leather from the duty gear, the boot polish, gun oil, and mint smokeless tobacco like it was yesterday. Day one on any job can be intimidating, but day one as a law enforcement officer often sets the bar for where you will be among your peers for years to come.

Everyone thinks they know about the culture of law enforcement, but until you have served shoulder-to-shoulder, you have no way of knowing. No amount of college education or textbook study can prepare you for your experience on duty. We read stories or see video clips of less than 1% of officers nationwide who screw up and get the publicity while the cameras are often off when an officer takes a bullet or takes their own life.

My career in law enforcement wasn’t one of roses and medals. I had my faults and failures. I have battled depression, and in the name of transparency, those are four of the most difficult words for me to say as a man, as a man who likes to have everything just in the right order and in control, but knowing I am better today empowers me to help others.

Suicide claims more lives of law enforcement officers, year-in, and year-out, than officers who are shot and killed by criminals. Why? Culture. We aren’t supposed to discuss our issues. They say, suck it up and move on. That’s the way most are programmed, and, to an extent, there’s nothing wrong with it, at least until now.

It’s time we start the discussion about law enforcement suicides in America, on a national level. I know there are doctors and therapists, people with excellent education and knowledge who are more than adequately skilled in mental health, but if we don’t start talking and seeking some answers, we are going to continue seeing the number of suicides increase every year.

But suicide in law enforcement is a compelling indicator of more significant issues. According to a study conducted in 2013 by the International Journal of Mental Health Systems (IJMHS), suicide in law enforcement occurs every 18 out of 100,000 officers, while the general population is 11 out of every 100,000 people. Law enforcement suicides are second only to suicides in the U.S. Army, which occur at a staggering rate of 33 out of every 100,000. Under the Shield foundation has a great resource on law enforcement suicides and many myths about these suicides, you can find out more information on their website.

So what can you do?

Your support does matter. But, even if you don’t support law enforcement, they will still put on their badge and duty gear and be there to help you when you need them the most. A simple “Thank you” here and there goes a long way.

They have families, spouses, children, parents, bills, and they want to go home, just like you, at the end of their work day. If we could stop dehumanizing the badge, that’d be great.

If we pay their salary, I think it is time they got a raise. Would you do their job for (on average) $36,000 annually?

Think of your life without law enforcement. Yes, traffic citations would be out the window, but who would come to your aid during a robbery, burglary, or if other violent crimes were occurring?

In 2015, I left my career in law enforcement to focus on my small business and grow my career as a writer. I have since written three books, and business has flourished, but I can’t help but think how broken I was the day I left my badge and gun belt. Looking back, I had no idea how “messed up” I was.

Maybe you don’t agree with what you have read here, but then again, maybe you do. Maybe you hate law enforcement officers, maybe you don’t. For me, faith in Christ is what changed everything for me. Through a relationship with Christ and His word, I strive daily to help more people who are suffering find hope, to help others find purpose and meaning, and take the option of suicide off the table permanently, and faith plays a tremendous role in finding healing. That’s just a piece of a life behind the badge.

The greatest gift we can give the next generation is a country that is unified. It’s time we come together for the common good.

For a free digital copy of my devotional for law enforcement, click on “Free Book” in the menu.

This article first appeared on The Huffington Post.

Adam Davis

 

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Welcome to Alabama

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Roy Moore, Doug Jones, ah, the sweet smell of Alabama politics. There’s nothing quite like it. It’s similar to the stench you get at your local neighborhood treatment plant. The good news is, friends, it’s almost over. Or, is it? Depending on who you get the spiel from, Moore is leading the race, or Jones is leading. These numbers are awfully deceitful considering we have no way of knowing the quantity or quality of their samples taken. For example, one media outlet may report that one candidate is leading the polls but their data was taken from one part of Alabama, maybe 30 or 40 calls. It’s not a total vote count. And, if Roy Moore wins, there is a possibility that Luther Strange or some other write-in candidate secures the seat should a Senate investigation ensue, resulting in Moore’s fall. But, that’s a hypothetical, the best news is we are one step closer to the end of this frustrating political smear campaign on Tuesday. 

As this is being written, there are over two dozen media outlets from across the United States about twenty minutes from my house. That’s it. The entire country will hear about something Moore says tonight in a small rural town known as Midland City, Alabama. It’s a  place I have family, friends, loved ones, and one of the best high school football teams in years’ past at Dale County High School. There’s a lot of good in that small town, but all too often, we focus on the negative. There’s a lot of praying folks there, some who are praying as you read this. Alabama isn’t lost, and, we don’t really need the input of every other person outside of our state in this election. Why? Because you aren’t voting in it! We aren’t stupid, we aren’t ignorant, and we can handle this. It should concern you, however, to see so many people across the nation putting their hand in the cookie jar on this one though. 

But, if you listen to the stereotypes of us Alabamians, all we care about is football, Jesus, our trucks, hunting, and our mommas. There’s nothing wrong with that, and, it’s partially true, but you should know there are some extremely intelligent people in this state. Are we 20 years behind the rest of the country in many ways? Yes. Has this Senate election embarrassed most of us? Yes. It’s like we woke up and have experienced a travel back in time. 

Tonight, however, on County Road 59 South, the Republican candidate for Alabama’s senate race is making his final arguments for his case to win the votes of every Alabamian. It’s too close to call, but thank the Lord this one’s about in the books. 

As someone who has spent too many waking hours studying politics, I can tell you without a doubt the most important thing you can do on December 12, 2017 is vote. Take the time and go cast your ballot. And, for the love of all that is good, please, leave the discussion in the ballot box. Nobody wants to bail you out of jail on Christmas. 

It may ruffle your feathers, but most Alabamians do love Jesus. None of us are perfect, but if we represent Christ on Sunday, we should live that way throughout the week and represent Him well through challenging times, just like these. It’s easy to lash out at someone when they degrade you or insult you, but that response will not honor the Father. One of the key elements the national media is missing in this whole deal is the power of interceding prayer warriors.  There is power in prayer. Take time to pray, go vote, and walk in love! Not just this holiday season, but daily! 

Here’s to more Christmas commercials and less Moore vs Jones campaign ads! 

Merry Christmas! 

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Survival Tips for Writers

Do you want to write? Do you want to publish a book?

Secrets to being successful (OR JUST SURVIVING) as a writer:

1. LONGSUFFERING-Have the patience of Job. You can self-publish relatively quickly, but if you suck, you will never get a book deal. 

2. RESOLVE: DO NOT let the haters get you down. Ever.

3. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE: There will be days you wonder if you lost your mind, there will be FEW who “GET” you, and you will be down. KNOW your purpose and you will be just fine. If you don’t, you will quit before you get started good.

4. MARKETABLE: Let’s face it, if Equate can sell stick on wheel covers, you can create a brand. But, it will take financial resources and time. And a lot of work.

5. TENACITY: NEVER, ever give up. Ever. You may have to scrap a project you love, but that does not change your purpose or identity as a writer.

6. IDENTITY: KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

7. HUMILITY: There will be a lot of people who say that, if you market yourself with confidence, that you are arrogant and full of yourself. If you are humble, you won’t have to worry about explaining anything to those people, and you won’t have to learn the lesson of humility through failure.

8. NETWORK: Surround yourself with people who are better than you, who have better skills, people who love and care about you, and people who are passionate about your work.

9. GET VERTICAL: Who are you doing this work for? If you do it for yourself, it will last a while, but if you do it for the glory of God, and follow His lead, you will find tremendous blessing.

10. When in doubt, remember why you started.

Image Credit: Pixabay

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Dear Alabamians, Christmas Comes Early This Year

Maybe you are reading this and you are not an Alabamian. If so, carry on, or read, whatever you want to do. It’s your decision. Unfortunately, our decisions in Alabama aren’t that easy. Seriously. From football to politics, where your “mama an’ ’em”  want to go to church, where we are going to eat, difficult decisions abound. With that being said, we’ve moved Christmas day to December 12th this year. Why, you ask? 

ELECTION DAY. 

It’s the day we no longer have to hear the bickering between two political parties, and, oh, yeah, let’s not forget the rest of the country that wants to voice their opinion about what happens in Alabama politics too (Just Google “Jimmy Kimmel Roy More”, you’re welcome.) Meanwhile, we stick some poor soul in front of a camera who will vehemently, and unequivocally defend someone based on their perceived character, or, vehemently and unequivocally defend their stance on the opposing party. 

The result? A state more divided than Iron Bowl Saturday. We’ve got folks blocking “friends” because of political disagreements, disagreements over football, tensions are high I tell ya. 

What we have here, my fellow Alabamians, is a failure to engage with reason and common sense. On a side note, I am not sure why they attach “common” to common sense seeing as it ain’t that common. These are tumultuous times in the Yellowhammer State. Anywhere you look there’s a solid solution to all of this, namely on Sunday morning in the six billion (exaggeration) churches we have, the number of sermons we listen to, but I digress. 

So let me talk straight here for a moment. Let’s suppose two people are in the same room and those two people have opinions and beliefs that are polar opposites. There’s a few ways that encounter can conclude: 

With the ever passive “Bless your heart” which is, if you’re not away,  a southern way of calling someone an idiot. 
A fist fight. not uncommon. 
A permanent ban from the family holiday gatherings. 
An arrest. Also, not uncommon. 
An amicable, adult, and educated discussion, and,, wait for it, agreeing to disagree. 

Believe it or not, we actually can have different opinions without sounding like little Johnny on the 3rd grade playground and calling each other names. Grow up. Blocking people on social media because of their political beliefs or God forbid, their choice in college football teams, is a sign of deep rooted societal issues we fail to address. I can’t tell you the number of times I have chosen to keep my mouth shut and not engage in a debate of some sort. No, I am not a coward, but what good are we doing if, in the process of a dang election, we destroy any of our relationships? What good does it profit us to attempt to sway anyone or debate? None.

It’s been said more than once, but I believe it bears mentioning here: Choose your battles wisely. 

And all I want for Christmas this year is the Alabama Senate race to be over and on December 12, 2017, it will be. Yes, I am aware the chances of us having different political, religious, and football opinions are likely, but, guess what, it’s ok. We can still be friends. 

If you are an Alabamian, vote on December 12, 2017. Vote for one of the candidates, write one in, whatever you like, but by all means, educate yourselves on the candidates and vote. Please use more reasoning than just their party affiliation. 

Enough of that mess. Two weeks and, hallelujah, it’s over. Remember, you can block them on social media, but you still have to see them at family holiday get togethers, Is it really that big of a deal, to ruin relationships? I will help you: No, it’s not. 

Merry Christmas, Roll Tide, and God Bless Alabama. 

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Image Credit: Shutterstock (Licensed) 

 

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From the Pit to the Palace

5 Lessons For Your Journey to Purpose 

On our path to purpose, we often ignore the possibility for setback. When we attempt to operate in our own strength and fail to depend on the Spirit of God as our Guide and Power, we face disappointment. But, if we find ourselves in a place of discouragement, setback, or disappointment, it’s not too late to go to the Father open-handed and surrender, asking for Him to take over, to guide and restore. He will deliver you from the pit if you will have faith enough to surrender it all to Him! Setback isn’t the end! Disappointment isn’t the destiny of God for your life! He will open the windows of Heaven and pour out His blessings on you when you release your circumstances into the hand of God. There’s a great story we can pull valuable lessons from in the Old Testament when we read about Joseph and the story of his brothers. 

What were the keys to Joseph’s success in the face of setback and adversity? 

Here are a few that I pulled from this story: 

Gave out of his place of need 

Joseph was sentenced to prison based on false accusations by Potiphar’s wife. In prison, Joseph served those who were in prison with him. Where you are in life may not be where you want to be, but giving out of your place of need will play a key role in not only freedom from your circumstances, but also your future promotion. (See Genesis 39)

Relied on the Spirit of God 

It doesn’t matter what you are going through in life, when you are led by the Spirit of God, living a Spirit-Filled life, even your biggest enemy will recognize God’s fingerprint on your life. We can do all the work in the world, but without the leading of God’s Spirit, we will fall short. (See Genesis 41)

A man of character

The Bible tells us that Joseph was “handsome” so it should be no surprise that Potiphar’s wife wanted him to get in bed with her. She approached him, not once, but twice, and he refused. Joseph was given the opportunity to have sex with Potiphar’s wife, but he refused. (See Genesis 39:7-16)

He was patient

Based on commentary and reading, Joseph was a slave for over ten years and in prison for around two years (for a crime he did not commit.) Not once, according to the Word, did Joseph reach out and try to fix things on his own accord and will. There are times in life when our biggest act of obedience is being still and letting God do His work. 

Favored by God

God’s favor isn’t just given. There’s a process and a path, and the road to His favor is named obedience. When we live Spirit-Led, obey God’s commands and His leading, and seek His ways above our own, we will find the unwavering, unmatched favor of God. 

Today, you may find yourself facing setbacks and disappointments. Things look like God has taken His hand off of your life, but you need to know that He has not taken His hand off of your life, but He has positioned you for promotion, for victory, and the miraculous. When your breakthrough comes now, there will be no doubt it was God’s hand on your life, and even the unbeliever will proclaim His praise for what God has done in your life! 

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