Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas’ office was standing room only as he and his staff gathered for their weekly devotional Tuesday morning.

Andrew Knick, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, spoke to deputies about wanting instant gratification.

“We want things right now. But, maybe we need to take a step back and see what is God showing me in my life. Even though we live in this ‘snap and go’ society, the reward is sweeter when we wait,” he said.

After Knick spoke, the staff offered up names of Pike County residents to remember in prayers. The group included two families who had lost their homes to fires and teachers who were fighting cancer.

Thomas reminded the group that the devotionals would be held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

“Bring your friends, bring your wife, bring your child,” he said.

Thomas also reminded deputies they had a list of 13 area chaplains who could be called upon at any time. He suggested calling for a chaplain whenever they needed to speak to one and when they responded to a fire or crime scene involving a death.

“Most any time we call the coroner, it’s a good idea to call the chaplain,” he said. “This is a very, very powerful resource we have with our chaplains. We need to take advantage of it.

“We were called to be in public service and we serve God’s people. We need to serve him and our public.”