SOCPM Newsletter | July 10, 2021

Greetings,

A July 23rd return date to Sheridan Correctional Center is still possible but getting doubtful. I was contacted by the Executive Secretary of Operations this week requesting I fill out a series of 5 forms, some multiple pages. Sheridan will require all volunteers to reapply as volunteers before permitting them to re-enter; this will require a background check, drug screening, and new photo ID. The paperwork was time-consuming, but I was able to get mine completed this past Thursday. When I initially applied in 2003, it took Springfield a few months to complete the process. I've heard the turnaround is not as long, but if all Sheridan volunteers and possibly other facilities requiring this of their volunteers, Springfield will be inundated with applications, which could cause delays. The chaplain at Dixon said thus far he has not heard that Dixon will be doing background checks; Please pray thee background checks and drug screenings are completed in a timely manner.

The Weekly Note for this week was on Psalm 5:7-8. David is asking God for mercy. James Montgomery Boice writes, 'One of the complaints unbelievers make against Christians is that their understanding of sin causes them to think of themselves as better than other people.' [1] He reminds the reader of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). With today's culture advancing so many sinful agendas, it is easy for me to slip into an accusatory mindset saying something to the effect, 'how can they be so ignorant.' God reminds me I, too, was once ignorant to my sin, but it was only by His grace (1 Corinthians 6:11 1 Timothy 1:13). He reminds me my purpose is not to be like the Pharisee but to be a vessel of gold and silver, not to quarrelsome to those ignorant in their sin but to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:20-26).

Here is an article on what the Bible says about ignorance.

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV)

Cameron's need for a place to live and the non-receipt of his stimulus check continues on the prayer front. Thankfully the property management has given him another thirty days to find a new home. Despite not finding a new home and not receiving the stimulus check, he maintains a low-stress level. However, when I talked to him Thursday, I noticed his stress was on the increase. Would you please continue in prayer for Cameron on these matters and, of course, for salvation and sobriety

I will have an ultrasound on my kidneys and bladder this Thursday, July 15th. Would you mind praying the ultrasound and doctor appointments to point to my prostate surgery as the cause for the lab work that raised concerns initially?

Week 69 of the lockdown 😞.  

COVID-19 cases as of day, 07/09/21; Dixon: staff confirmed 319, staff recovered staff 318, staff current 1, staff tests 13,910; offender confirmed 592, offenders recovered 592, offender current 0, offenders tests 49,481 | Sheridan: staff confirmed 150, staff recovered 149; staff current 1, staff tests 14,869, offenders confirmed 464, offenders recovered 464, offenders current 0, offender tests 31,664 | IDOC: staff confirmed 4,655, staff recovered 4,620, staff current 35, staff tests 285,193; offenders confirmed 10,922 offenders recovered 10,915, offenders current 7, offender tests 665,308 [2]

Despite a couple of new cases among staff at Dixon and Sheridan, the inmate population remains at 0.

[1]James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 1–41: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 47-48.

[2] “COVID-19 Response.” Illinois.gov, 9 July. 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.

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