Jeanne Assam and other Breaking News

As previously announced, this week’s meeting will be Thursday at 1830 hours at our normal location (Chapel South Denver in Littleton . See http://www.calvarycsd.org/about/location.php for map/directions). Remember that spouses are always welcome and encouraged to join us.

Updated MEETING SCHEDULE for the next 4 weeks (plan ahead/pass it on):
(1) Thursday, July 24, 1830-1930
(2) Saturday, August 2, 0900-1000
(3) Saturday, August 9, 0900-1000
(4) Saturday, August 16, 0900-1000

We concluded our look at “God’s purpose for our work” last Saturday and had some really insightful participation on the subject. The primary concept here is that we can’t – no -- must NOT allow “the badge” to become our “god.” Certainly, God calls us to do our work “as unto the Lord” (see Colossians 3:23-24) but, that said, we can’t allow ourselves to be consumed by overtime (or use OT as an excuse to avoid spending time with God, our families, etc.) or related extra-duty issues. Rather, we must make a concerted effort to keep our calling in a proper perspective and be good stewards of our money. I’m not saying we can’t work OT…but rather that working 6-7 days a week on a regular basis (unless ordered otherwise due to staffing/emergency issues) is not only unhealthy but also disobedient.

Disobedient? You bet! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The other side of this is the concept of the Sabbath. Now the “Sabbath” does not have to be Sunday as a good many of us are likely to be working. However, most solid churches have a variety of services that CAN be made. Fellowship with other believers is ESSENTIAL for our spiritual health, development, and well-being. The other part of that is REST (NOT “honey-do’s” either!!). Check out Exodus 20:8-11 for more. Folks, I KNOW what I’m talking about on this because I was one of the biggest offenders! I all but lived at work for way too many years and paid a terrible price for same.

So what’s the bottom line? How many of you know officers who’ve retired, quit, got fired, etc. who then die suddenly from illness or suicide (we have the highest rate of any profession)? What about ruined marriages, kids not seeing their parents, etc. There simply MUST be more in our lives than police work. The proper perspective is:
(1) God first
(2) Relationships (family at the top)
(3) Job
In keeping with the proper perspective concept, we’ll continue our PeaceKeeper’s Bible study on Thursday by exploring “Life beyond the Badge.” Huh? Rest assured folks, if law enforcement is the only thing in your life then you are already in deep, deep… (you get my drift)!

PRAISE REPORTS/PRAYER REQUESTS
(1) You no doubt recall that it was former Minneapolis PD officer Jeanne Assam who stepped up and stopped the shooter at New Life Church in Colorado Springs last year. There is quite a story here and one that goes way beyond her actions that fateful Sunday. Many may not know that she was subsequently honored by several groups including the Colorado legislature (see http://jeanneassamfanclub.blogspot.com/ and/or similar sites for more). More importantly, some solid LE leaders finally did the RIGHT THING and looked beyond "old news." Suffice it to say that our fellow sheepdog is back in police work here in Colorado. Praise the Lord!
(2) Pray for Officer Noel Gleason and his family: see http://noelgleason.org/ for more. Also be in prayer for IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn -- see http://www.theindychannel.com/news/16885549/detail.html?rss=ind&psp=news and Houston PD Officer Jeff Headley – http://www.jeffheadleybenefit.com/.
(3) PLEASE pray for the Denver PD officer who was involved in an off-duty MC accident with a cab yesterday. He is in critical condition with a collapsed lung and other injuries. Thankfully, he was reportedly wearing a helmet (PTL)! I know his name (as do many of you) but don’t want to advertise it in this forum until released to the media. I plan on going for a visit later this week. Cabbie went to jail. See http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_9943445 for more.
(4) Pray for a local sheriff’s deputy who is moving to CA for family reasons. He is searching for a similar position there.
(5) Thanks for praying for my FPD colleague – she is rapidly recovering from toe surgery (crushed/splintered bone) and will be back to work this weekend. Two week recovery -- how cool is that!
As always, send me your prayer requests and I’ll post them here as appropriate. I am also always willing to pray with you: shoot me an email or give me a call.

Hope to see you locals on Thursday!