SOCPM Newsletter | May 1, 2021

Greetings,

From the news desk, IDOC has resumed visitations!

Praise God! I did not get notified by either of the chaplains, but Friday, while updating the COVID numbers, I became aware IDOC has begun phasing in visitations. Dixon started on April 12th, and Sheridan started on April 26th. The resumption of visitation is a big blessing for the prisoners. If you have been following the IDOC's COVID response, you would have seen a consistent and steady decline of current COVID cases. I'm hoping that volunteers may soon follow. I'll do my best to keep you informed of more updates. Please lift a prayer of praise and a prayer that the return of visitations does not begin a surge.

I'm proud of myself that I remembered to change the month in the template versus noticing a week or two into May. 🤓 Is that a valid reason for me to treat myself to some chicken wings and ice cream? 😋

This week's Weekly Note on the study focused on Psalm 4:2-3.

2O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. [1]

Charles Spurgeon comments in part, 'He (David) tells them that they love worthlessness and seek falsehood; they love lying, empty fancies, vain conceit's, and wicked fabrications. He asks how long will they make his honor a jest, and his fame a mockery? A little of this mirth is too much. Why do they continually indulge in it? Hadn't they been watching long enough for his failure? Had repeated disappointments convince them that the Lord's anointed would not be overcome by their slander? Did they mean to jest their souls into hell, and laugh until swift vengeance would turn their merriment into howling? In contemplating the perverse continuation of their foolish and lying habits, the psalmist solemnly pauses and inserts a Selah. We too may stop and meditate on the wicked's deep-seeded folly, their continuing in evil, and their sure destruction. Learn to admire the grace that has made us different and taught us to love truth and to seek righteousness.' [2]

Recently, I read a news article where the author of a blog stated something that I found to be idiotic. When I shared my thoughts with a friend, he reminded me, paraphrasing what Paul writes in Romans 1:21 'their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened.' This led me to read Romans 1:18-24, and as I inserted my Selah as the Psalmist did in Psalm 4:2-3. 

I meditated on verse 22, 'Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools' God then reminded me I too was once a fool, but by His grace, He made me a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). and taught me to love truth and seek righteousness. God further reminded me to respond as Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:22-26.

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 [3]

On the personal prayer front, not much change from last week's, my son Cameron, salvation, sobriety, godly counsel, etc. My wife, Michelle's prayer, that the person selected to be her new manager to be someone whose managing style is similar to her current manager. The issues related to my surgery continue to improve. Finally, pray for Jean, whose story I came to know through Voice of the Martyrs' icommittopray.

To Him be the glory in ALL things and to Him alone!

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

Week 59 of the lockdown 😞.  

COVID-19 cases as of day, 04/30/21; Dixon: staff confirmed 309, staff recovered staff 299, staff current 10, staff tests 11,297; offender confirmed 590, offenders recovered 589, offender current 1, offenders tests 43,341 | Sheridan: staff confirmed 149, staff recovered 148; staff current 1, staff tests 10,477, offenders confirmed 464, offenders recovered 464, offenders current 0, offender tests 25,761 | IDOC: staff confirmed 4,466 , staff recovered 4,392, staff current 74, staff tests 212,864; offenders confirmed 10,878, offenders recovered 10,867, offenders current 11, offender tests 549,27. [4]

Please continue in prayer for the lifting of the lockdown. If only for the resumption of visitations, and the return of volunteers shortly after that.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 4:2-3

[2] C. H. Spurgeon,. The Treasury of David: Spurgeon's Great Commentary on Psalms, Clarke, Roy H, editor, 3rd ed., vol. 1, T. Nelson Publishers , 1997, 19.
[3]The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Tim. 2:1-4
[4]“COVID-19 Response.” Illinois.gov, 30 Apr. 2021, www2.illinois.gov/idoc/facilities/Pages/Covid19Response.aspx.

CHS - Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from Clarke, Roy H, editor. The Treasury of David: Spurgeon's Great Commentary on Psalms, by C. H. Spurgeon, 3rd ed., vol. 1, T. Nelson Publishers , 1997 are from the New Geneva Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., using the New King James Version of the Bible, ©1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

FDK - Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 15, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

JMB - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 1–41: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005) is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.TM

WAV - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from VanGemeren, Willem A. “Book 1 Psalms 1 - 41.” The Expositor's Bible Commentary Psalms, by Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, Revised ed., vol. 5, Zondervan, 2008 is taken from is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

WSP - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from “Psalm 1.” Psalms: A Critical and Expository Commentary with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks, by William S. Plumer, Banner of Truth Trust, 1975 is taken from the Holy Bible King James Version.