NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (Updated Oct. 4th -- see the 9/15 entry for more):
-- Ask God to give Erv Meyer health and traveling mercies.
-- Praise Report! Our own Matt Wallenburg has been accepted into the Colorado National Guard AND may have as many as three other job offers on the table! Praise God!! Let's keep our brother in prayer as he pursues God's calling on his life.
-- Pray for me this coming Saturday (10/9) as I will the guest speaker at Creekside Bible Church in Castle Rock (CO).
-- David Greenhalgh (Canada) covets your prayers for a family situation - especially today (Monday, 10/04/10). Just pray (justice, truth, intervention, and most of all God's will) -- our Lord knows the need.
-- I announced in my September 17th post that Denver PD Detective Danny Veith was donating a kidney to fellow DPD Det. Ed David. Englewood PD Ofc. Reid McGrath informed me tonight that the transplant surgery has taken place and they are in recovery. Please lift them both in prayer for complete healing and good health. There is a benefit planned for them at the Celtic Tavern (1801 Blake Street, Denver) on Sunday, October 10th (10/10/10) from 3-8 PM.
-- Dennis Casida is asking that we be in prayer for a relative who is having trouble with her pregnancy. Ask God's intervention and protection for both the mother and her as yet unborn child.
NEWS!
Colorado Springs-Area Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship:
Sgt. Greg Maxwell of the El Paso County (CO) S.O. is leading a Bible study for officers in the Colorado Springs area. In fact, their next meeting is Friday, 10/1/10, at 0700 hours at the Solid Rock Cafe inside Rocky Mountain Calvary, 4285 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. They generally meet every-other-Friday with scheduled meetings in October on the 1st, 15th and 29th.
Contact Greg at gregmaxwell@elpasoco.com or (719) 520-7153, box 40053, to be added to his mailing list or for more info.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Dumb, Dumber & One Smart Cop
We had a great time of fellowship, prayer and profession-relevant Bible study at last week’s Denver-metro local fellowship meeting. My message, entitled Dumb, Dumber and One Smart Cop, was adapted from a presentation given by Hamilton County (TN) Sheriff Jim Hammond at our FCPO National Conference in Gulfport earlier this month. Here is the RECAP for our followers around the US, Canada and the world:
II Kings 1:1-16
-- Set in the 9th century BC, we find king Ahaziah ruling over the tribes of northern Israel. Ahaziah is the son of the evil king Ahab and his equally notorious pagan queen Jezebel – both of whom met terrible fates for their sinful lives (see 1 Kings 16-21). As Jim pointed out, “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”
-- Ahaziah was injured in a fall (very likely whilst drunk given the custom of kings in that day) and, instead of repenting and calling out to God, he instead sent messengers to “consult” an idol in the form of the pagan “god” Baal-Zebub -- AKA "The Lord of the Flies." Again, overt SIN!
-- The prophet Elijah, whom God had previously used to deal with Ahaziah’s unrepentant parents, is sent by the Lord to intercept the king’s emissaries with a message for their ruler that he will die as a consequence of his sinful choices. In turn, a royally angry (Get it…royal…?:) king Ahaziah responded by sending a contingent of his police force to arrest Elijah with the ultimate goal of putting him to death for having the audacity to point out his sin and speak the truth.
-- DUMB Cop: Instead of showing respect for someone he KNOWS to be God’s own spokesman (and thereby God himself), the first police captain does just the opposite. As a direct result, he and his officers are “taken out” en masse by God (remember that it is the Lord who fights for us if we are following Him).
-- DUMBER Cop: Despite knowing what happened to his colleagues, the next captain shows even more disrespect toward God and his prophet and both he and his officers suffer an equally ignominious fate.
-- One SMART Cop: Having taken appropriate notice of the deaths of 102 fellow officers, captain #3 comes before Elijah with wisdom, respect and humility. Elijah, with God's approval, responds to this proper approach and voluntarily accompanies his "police escort" to deliver God’s message to Ahaziah in person. Elijah was protected through the power of the Holy Spirit, the cops were not killed and the prophesy was fulfilled with the king’s just death penalty. Smart cop indeed!
Lessons:
-- Proverbs 29:2 tells us, When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules (as with Ahaziah), the people groan.
-- Micah 6:8 reveals a lesson in proper police discretion and the spirit of the law: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Did Ahaziah have a choice in whom he served and how he lived? Do you and I? If so, what should that look like? The potentially life-changing answer will be revealed as part of week’s tremendously all-important, profession-relevant study on the topic of True REPENTANCE and Real FORGIVENESS. Join us if you're in the area or, if not, I’ll have a full recap as part of next week’s newsletter. As always, the newsletters are also posted on our website. Speaking of…
The latest PRAYER REQUESTS & our updated local MEETING SCHEDULE have been posted here on our website (next post). I’ve also added a number of new links and resources. Check back frequently!
Trooper SCOTT HINSHAW Update!
Scotty and I had a great visit recently at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) HQ where he is now serving with our state Homeland Security unit. Scott will be speaking at an upcoming local chapter meeting later this year – stay tuned for details! As many will remember, Scott was severely injured in the line of duty in October of 2007 while assisting a motorist on I-76 near Denver. That same incident resulted in the death of Scott's partner, fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton. Trooper Hinshaw's "story" is truly one of miracles, faith, and character. Scott packed the house the last time I had him speak. Please look for details on this not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear Scott's powerful testimony and the latest updates on how God is using our fellow sheepdog.
BAPTISM Service!
If you are an officer in the Denver metro area who has come to know the Lord as Savior but has not been baptized since that time, please join us at tomorrow’s (9/30) meeting as we will be discussing our upcoming Centurion Ministry/FCPO baptism service. Remember that spouses as welcome and encouraged to attend.
TRAINING Corner!
Do you search before you cuff or the other way around? Here is our latest officer-safety lesson from the noted trainers with PoliceOne.com: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/restraints/articles/2717262-Search-first-or-handcuff-first-Neither/?wwparam=1285783490.
FCPO Canada!
From our brothers in the “Great White North” (“Eh?”): http://www.fcpocanada.com/ and http://www.bluenosefcpo.com/. I hope to attend their annual conference in Nova Scotia next August!
Police Mission Trip to Muldova
Sheriff Jim Hammond (TN) is planning a police mission trip to Moldova for next June. If you are interested send Jim an email at fcpo2@hotmail.com.
Stories of Faith & Courage!
Grant Wolf sent the following reference his forthcoming compilation that a number of us contributed to: Stories of Faith and Courage From Cops on the Street is a groundbreaking devotional book that demonstrates the vital difference men and women of faith make in law enforcement. As this is a date-specific daily devotional, stories that relate to a specific date or event (9/11/2001, major weather catastrophes, “line of duty” deaths, etc.) are strategically placed on or near the date the event occurred. This Battlefields and Blessings devotional book serves two purposes:
(1) It offers a glimpse into what it’s really like to be in law enforcement while demonstrating the spiritual side of the law enforcement community
(2) It presents law enforcement in a positive light as a career path filled with men and women who care deeply for the communities they serve.
Here is the weblink: http://copsonthestreet.com/.
WANTED: Stories from Women in Law Enforcement
John Wills, author, former Chicago Police Officer and retired FBI Agent, writes, I’ve written several books and published more than 100 articles on officer survival and training. Presently, I’m working on a book, an anthology consisting of true stories about women in law enforcement. The stories can be funny, tragic, filled with emotion, war stories, oddball, etc. It will be a collection that will allow the public to see what really happens in the world of female LEOs. More information can be found at my website: http://johnmwills.com/id13.html. I hope you can pass the word to anyone who cares to share their stories in the book to be published in 2011. Thank you.
John can be reached at: jmwills@hotmail.com and via http://www.johnmwills.com/.
That’s it for this week’s newsletter. Please pass it on to others and MAKE the time to be to be with your families and in fellowship (church, an FCPO or PeaceKeepers Bible study, etc.) this week. Know that your feedback is both welcome and appreciated. Let’s stay strong and vigilant in Christ!
II Kings 1:1-16
-- Set in the 9th century BC, we find king Ahaziah ruling over the tribes of northern Israel. Ahaziah is the son of the evil king Ahab and his equally notorious pagan queen Jezebel – both of whom met terrible fates for their sinful lives (see 1 Kings 16-21). As Jim pointed out, “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”
-- Ahaziah was injured in a fall (very likely whilst drunk given the custom of kings in that day) and, instead of repenting and calling out to God, he instead sent messengers to “consult” an idol in the form of the pagan “god” Baal-Zebub -- AKA "The Lord of the Flies." Again, overt SIN!
-- The prophet Elijah, whom God had previously used to deal with Ahaziah’s unrepentant parents, is sent by the Lord to intercept the king’s emissaries with a message for their ruler that he will die as a consequence of his sinful choices. In turn, a royally angry (Get it…royal…?:) king Ahaziah responded by sending a contingent of his police force to arrest Elijah with the ultimate goal of putting him to death for having the audacity to point out his sin and speak the truth.
-- DUMB Cop: Instead of showing respect for someone he KNOWS to be God’s own spokesman (and thereby God himself), the first police captain does just the opposite. As a direct result, he and his officers are “taken out” en masse by God (remember that it is the Lord who fights for us if we are following Him).
-- DUMBER Cop: Despite knowing what happened to his colleagues, the next captain shows even more disrespect toward God and his prophet and both he and his officers suffer an equally ignominious fate.
-- One SMART Cop: Having taken appropriate notice of the deaths of 102 fellow officers, captain #3 comes before Elijah with wisdom, respect and humility. Elijah, with God's approval, responds to this proper approach and voluntarily accompanies his "police escort" to deliver God’s message to Ahaziah in person. Elijah was protected through the power of the Holy Spirit, the cops were not killed and the prophesy was fulfilled with the king’s just death penalty. Smart cop indeed!
Lessons:
-- Proverbs 29:2 tells us, When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules (as with Ahaziah), the people groan.
-- Micah 6:8 reveals a lesson in proper police discretion and the spirit of the law: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Did Ahaziah have a choice in whom he served and how he lived? Do you and I? If so, what should that look like? The potentially life-changing answer will be revealed as part of week’s tremendously all-important, profession-relevant study on the topic of True REPENTANCE and Real FORGIVENESS. Join us if you're in the area or, if not, I’ll have a full recap as part of next week’s newsletter. As always, the newsletters are also posted on our website. Speaking of…
The latest PRAYER REQUESTS & our updated local MEETING SCHEDULE have been posted here on our website (next post). I’ve also added a number of new links and resources. Check back frequently!
Trooper SCOTT HINSHAW Update!
Scotty and I had a great visit recently at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) HQ where he is now serving with our state Homeland Security unit. Scott will be speaking at an upcoming local chapter meeting later this year – stay tuned for details! As many will remember, Scott was severely injured in the line of duty in October of 2007 while assisting a motorist on I-76 near Denver. That same incident resulted in the death of Scott's partner, fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton. Trooper Hinshaw's "story" is truly one of miracles, faith, and character. Scott packed the house the last time I had him speak. Please look for details on this not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear Scott's powerful testimony and the latest updates on how God is using our fellow sheepdog.
BAPTISM Service!
If you are an officer in the Denver metro area who has come to know the Lord as Savior but has not been baptized since that time, please join us at tomorrow’s (9/30) meeting as we will be discussing our upcoming Centurion Ministry/FCPO baptism service. Remember that spouses as welcome and encouraged to attend.
TRAINING Corner!
Do you search before you cuff or the other way around? Here is our latest officer-safety lesson from the noted trainers with PoliceOne.com: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/restraints/articles/2717262-Search-first-or-handcuff-first-Neither/?wwparam=1285783490.
FCPO Canada!
From our brothers in the “Great White North” (“Eh?”): http://www.fcpocanada.com/ and http://www.bluenosefcpo.com/. I hope to attend their annual conference in Nova Scotia next August!
Police Mission Trip to Muldova
Sheriff Jim Hammond (TN) is planning a police mission trip to Moldova for next June. If you are interested send Jim an email at fcpo2@hotmail.com.
Stories of Faith & Courage!
Grant Wolf sent the following reference his forthcoming compilation that a number of us contributed to: Stories of Faith and Courage From Cops on the Street is a groundbreaking devotional book that demonstrates the vital difference men and women of faith make in law enforcement. As this is a date-specific daily devotional, stories that relate to a specific date or event (9/11/2001, major weather catastrophes, “line of duty” deaths, etc.) are strategically placed on or near the date the event occurred. This Battlefields and Blessings devotional book serves two purposes:
(1) It offers a glimpse into what it’s really like to be in law enforcement while demonstrating the spiritual side of the law enforcement community
(2) It presents law enforcement in a positive light as a career path filled with men and women who care deeply for the communities they serve.
Here is the weblink: http://copsonthestreet.com/.
WANTED: Stories from Women in Law Enforcement
John Wills, author, former Chicago Police Officer and retired FBI Agent, writes, I’ve written several books and published more than 100 articles on officer survival and training. Presently, I’m working on a book, an anthology consisting of true stories about women in law enforcement. The stories can be funny, tragic, filled with emotion, war stories, oddball, etc. It will be a collection that will allow the public to see what really happens in the world of female LEOs. More information can be found at my website: http://johnmwills.com/id13.html. I hope you can pass the word to anyone who cares to share their stories in the book to be published in 2011. Thank you.
John can be reached at: jmwills@hotmail.com and via http://www.johnmwills.com/.
That’s it for this week’s newsletter. Please pass it on to others and MAKE the time to be to be with your families and in fellowship (church, an FCPO or PeaceKeepers Bible study, etc.) this week. Know that your feedback is both welcome and appreciated. Let’s stay strong and vigilant in Christ!
Monday, September 27, 2010
New Prayer Requests and Local Meeting Schedule Update
Folks:
Here are the latest PRAYER REQUESTS (updated 9/29) along with an updated meeting schedule for my Denver-area fellowship group:
(1) Please pray for a colleague who is having surgery tomorrow (9/28) to deal with colon cancer.
(2) A deputy writes, "I am training a new deputy for the road. He says he gets your newsletter, but he has not yet made a personal decision for Christ. Please pray for him AND me as I try to witness to him.....thanks!"
(3) Pray for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) as we seek God's grace in reaching the law enforcement profession for Christ.
(4) Fellow FCPO Board member Paul Lee in TN sends the following:
CPD Officer Shelia Jetton and her family need backup right away. Please be in serious prayer for Little Elizabeth, her mom Shelia and her dad Matt. Shelia's update on Elizabeth speaks volumes and this family needs our prayer support now. They have spent a total of 4 days at home as a family since Elizabeth's birth, the other 60 have been in hospitals and ICU's. They are tired, frustrated, and probably scared and they need our support. Please go to Elizabeth's guest book and let them know you are praying for them. This email is going all over the U.S. and Canada please pass it on to other prayer warriors. Please take time to pray and sign the guest book and let Shelia and Matt know what part of the country you are from. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton to post your support.
(5) Pray for a detective who is testing for a promotional/transfer opportuntity tomorrow (9/28).
(6) Please continue to pray for the three (3) severely injured officers who are currently undergoing rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood. We visit with on a regular basis. They are:
(a) Kyle Rosentreter (Lt., Carbon Co. S.O., WY). Here is a recent article on Kyle that includes how you can donate to his cause/care: http://www.rawlinstimes.com/articles/2010/09/28/news/doc4c90481a1e402467167443.txt. Kyle knows Christ as his Savior and is a true warrior!
(b) Mike Severson (Deputy, Polk Co. S.O., WI). Mike was shot in the face in 1991, leaving him a quadriplegic. Mike knows the Lord and is a fighter! Here is an article from last year: http://wcco.com/local/paralyzed.hunter.minnesota.2.1362947.html.
(c) Scott Warrington (Deputy, Mineral Co. S.O., Creede, CO). Scott also knows the Lord as Savior.
(7) Continue to pray for Densey Cole (Chicago PD) as he is facing ongoing difficulties in his rehab/recovery. Pray too that other believers will continue to come alongside Densey (salvation).
(8) PRAISE REPORT!! Ref. my previous prayer request for Angie Hays (wife of retired Denver PD officer and current DPD chaplain and pastor Manny Hays), Manny sent the following today in regarding Angie's surgery for liver cancer:
Angie is home resting comfortably. The surgery went very well in that the chemo and the beads did what they were suppose to do. They appear to have stopped the growth of the tumor and it appears to be dying off. The tumor was larger than originally thought but it appears to be history thanks to our Lord. Angie will have several good days before the effect of the chemo will kick in and she will be feeling miserable for about a week. She should be near normal in about two weeks. We thank you for your prayers and kindness.
In Christ
Manny
Praise God!!! Please continue to lift Angie during this process.
More to come...stay tuned and check back frequently.
Local MEETING SCHEDULE Update:
Thursday, 09/30/2010, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver (High School Room), Littleton. Go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions. The High School Room is all the way past the main santuary -- last door on the right.
Thursday, 10/7/2010. Same time/place as above.
Here are the latest PRAYER REQUESTS (updated 9/29) along with an updated meeting schedule for my Denver-area fellowship group:
(1) Please pray for a colleague who is having surgery tomorrow (9/28) to deal with colon cancer.
(2) A deputy writes, "I am training a new deputy for the road. He says he gets your newsletter, but he has not yet made a personal decision for Christ. Please pray for him AND me as I try to witness to him.....thanks!"
(3) Pray for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) as we seek God's grace in reaching the law enforcement profession for Christ.
(4) Fellow FCPO Board member Paul Lee in TN sends the following:
CPD Officer Shelia Jetton and her family need backup right away. Please be in serious prayer for Little Elizabeth, her mom Shelia and her dad Matt. Shelia's update on Elizabeth speaks volumes and this family needs our prayer support now. They have spent a total of 4 days at home as a family since Elizabeth's birth, the other 60 have been in hospitals and ICU's. They are tired, frustrated, and probably scared and they need our support. Please go to Elizabeth's guest book and let them know you are praying for them. This email is going all over the U.S. and Canada please pass it on to other prayer warriors. Please take time to pray and sign the guest book and let Shelia and Matt know what part of the country you are from. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton to post your support.
(5) Pray for a detective who is testing for a promotional/transfer opportuntity tomorrow (9/28).
(6) Please continue to pray for the three (3) severely injured officers who are currently undergoing rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood. We visit with on a regular basis. They are:
(a) Kyle Rosentreter (Lt., Carbon Co. S.O., WY). Here is a recent article on Kyle that includes how you can donate to his cause/care: http://www.rawlinstimes.com/articles/2010/09/28/news/doc4c90481a1e402467167443.txt. Kyle knows Christ as his Savior and is a true warrior!
(b) Mike Severson (Deputy, Polk Co. S.O., WI). Mike was shot in the face in 1991, leaving him a quadriplegic. Mike knows the Lord and is a fighter! Here is an article from last year: http://wcco.com/local/paralyzed.hunter.minnesota.2.1362947.html.
(c) Scott Warrington (Deputy, Mineral Co. S.O., Creede, CO). Scott also knows the Lord as Savior.
(7) Continue to pray for Densey Cole (Chicago PD) as he is facing ongoing difficulties in his rehab/recovery. Pray too that other believers will continue to come alongside Densey (salvation).
(8) PRAISE REPORT!! Ref. my previous prayer request for Angie Hays (wife of retired Denver PD officer and current DPD chaplain and pastor Manny Hays), Manny sent the following today in regarding Angie's surgery for liver cancer:
Angie is home resting comfortably. The surgery went very well in that the chemo and the beads did what they were suppose to do. They appear to have stopped the growth of the tumor and it appears to be dying off. The tumor was larger than originally thought but it appears to be history thanks to our Lord. Angie will have several good days before the effect of the chemo will kick in and she will be feeling miserable for about a week. She should be near normal in about two weeks. We thank you for your prayers and kindness.
In Christ
Manny
Praise God!!! Please continue to lift Angie during this process.
More to come...stay tuned and check back frequently.
Local MEETING SCHEDULE Update:
Thursday, 09/30/2010, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver (High School Room), Littleton. Go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions. The High School Room is all the way past the main santuary -- last door on the right.
Thursday, 10/7/2010. Same time/place as above.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
So What Kind of Cop are You?
Dear Fellow Servant-Warriors:
I previously announced that retired DPD Officer Mark Roggeman would be giving one of his patented cult presentations at this week’s Denver meeting. Unfortunately, Mark is still in North Carolina caring for his ailing father (see the updated September 17th post here on our website). As such, I will be teaching as usual.
Reference same, I can’t take full credit for this week’s study inasmuch as I’m adapting it from the message that Hamilton County (TN) Sheriff Jim Hammond delivered at First Baptist Church of Gulfport during the FCPO National Conference. Entitled ”Dumb, Dumber & One Smart Cop,” Jim’s profession-relevant message centered primarily on II Kings 1. For all those who live outside Metro Denver or can't make tonight's meeting, I'll post my usual detailed recap in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!
Website Updates!
I’ve added some great new links as well as some of the photos from our recent FCPO National Conference in Gulfport, MS. In addition, take the time to review the updated prayer requests (please join us in praying for these pressing needs) and local meeting schedule.
Courageous Update: A battle to fight…a cause to stand for!
One of this year's FCPO conference highlights was the update we received on the soon-to-be-released film Courageous -- produced by the same great folks who put out Fireproof (the #1 independent film of 2008) and Facing the Giants: Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. The film, which centers on the lives of four police officers (S.O. deputies) and their families, is expected to be truly life-changing! FCPO is playing a role in this production and we’re asking that you start praying now for a wide distribution when it is released next year. Check out the latest via the Courageous website: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/index.php (the videos are a “must see”).
SUPPORT for The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry!
As most everyone is aware, I am not given to asking for support for this ministry (first time via this venue). That said, as our outreach expands, Diana and I are finding it more and more difficult to do it on our own. Inasmuch as our Lord directs us to ask, we do in fact welcome your financial and prayer support with the assurance that anything the Lord chooses to give us will be used biblically and in keeping with James 4:2-3. Donation information is posted on the bottom left corner of our website -- thanks in advance.
Christian Cops in the News!
(1) USAF TSgt. Dennis Kuritz at Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, CA sent the following:
I watched an amazing interview last night on CBS 2 News in Los Angeles. They interviewed Sgt. Steven Gomez of the LAPD. He was one of the responding officers to the North Hollywood shootout in 1997 and is preparing to retire after 30-plus years with LAPD. Steven spoke about being a CHRISTIAN, how he was blessed everyday of his life, and that he is proud to be a member of the LAPD. Gomez allowed the media to film him in his patrol car with his Bible on the front seat, and he spoke of reading it daily and would read more if he arrived early to a meeting or event. I looked for a video of the interview on the stations website and found none. I will be digging into this more but I thought it was great to hear from a true “Sheepdog” about his walk through life with the LAPD.
On a side note, IF you see any of the footage of the shootout, he was the SWAT officer in shorts (he was running at the academy and his patrol vehicle was the furthest away so he decided “I just do this in shorts”) who took out the last shooter (Matasareanu) and was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor (one of nineteen given for actions that day).
(2) Streamwood (IL) PD Sgt. “Dino” Heckermann sent the following:
Here is a great article on "Faith in Uniform". It has some powerful testimonies from cops from NY to LA. FCPO is mentioned in the article. http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/features2/481-christianity-on-the-job/9732-faith-in-uniform.
I've posted a link to this story here on our website.
That’s about it for this week. Please join us tonight if you’re in the area and, if not, stay tuned for my newsletter and website updates each and every week (don’t forget to pass ‘em on to your colleagues, family and friends). We also strongly encourage you to be part of you own local fellowship of Christian officers (see http://www.fcpo.org/ for a chapter in your area). If a fellowship is not close by, we’ll be glad to help you start one. Stay strong in Christ and watch each other's "six!"
I previously announced that retired DPD Officer Mark Roggeman would be giving one of his patented cult presentations at this week’s Denver meeting. Unfortunately, Mark is still in North Carolina caring for his ailing father (see the updated September 17th post here on our website). As such, I will be teaching as usual.
Reference same, I can’t take full credit for this week’s study inasmuch as I’m adapting it from the message that Hamilton County (TN) Sheriff Jim Hammond delivered at First Baptist Church of Gulfport during the FCPO National Conference. Entitled ”Dumb, Dumber & One Smart Cop,” Jim’s profession-relevant message centered primarily on II Kings 1. For all those who live outside Metro Denver or can't make tonight's meeting, I'll post my usual detailed recap in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!
Website Updates!
I’ve added some great new links as well as some of the photos from our recent FCPO National Conference in Gulfport, MS. In addition, take the time to review the updated prayer requests (please join us in praying for these pressing needs) and local meeting schedule.
Courageous Update: A battle to fight…a cause to stand for!
One of this year's FCPO conference highlights was the update we received on the soon-to-be-released film Courageous -- produced by the same great folks who put out Fireproof (the #1 independent film of 2008) and Facing the Giants: Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. The film, which centers on the lives of four police officers (S.O. deputies) and their families, is expected to be truly life-changing! FCPO is playing a role in this production and we’re asking that you start praying now for a wide distribution when it is released next year. Check out the latest via the Courageous website: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/index.php (the videos are a “must see”).
SUPPORT for The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry!
As most everyone is aware, I am not given to asking for support for this ministry (first time via this venue). That said, as our outreach expands, Diana and I are finding it more and more difficult to do it on our own. Inasmuch as our Lord directs us to ask, we do in fact welcome your financial and prayer support with the assurance that anything the Lord chooses to give us will be used biblically and in keeping with James 4:2-3. Donation information is posted on the bottom left corner of our website -- thanks in advance.
Christian Cops in the News!
(1) USAF TSgt. Dennis Kuritz at Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, CA sent the following:
I watched an amazing interview last night on CBS 2 News in Los Angeles. They interviewed Sgt. Steven Gomez of the LAPD. He was one of the responding officers to the North Hollywood shootout in 1997 and is preparing to retire after 30-plus years with LAPD. Steven spoke about being a CHRISTIAN, how he was blessed everyday of his life, and that he is proud to be a member of the LAPD. Gomez allowed the media to film him in his patrol car with his Bible on the front seat, and he spoke of reading it daily and would read more if he arrived early to a meeting or event. I looked for a video of the interview on the stations website and found none. I will be digging into this more but I thought it was great to hear from a true “Sheepdog” about his walk through life with the LAPD.
On a side note, IF you see any of the footage of the shootout, he was the SWAT officer in shorts (he was running at the academy and his patrol vehicle was the furthest away so he decided “I just do this in shorts”) who took out the last shooter (Matasareanu) and was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor (one of nineteen given for actions that day).
(2) Streamwood (IL) PD Sgt. “Dino” Heckermann sent the following:
Here is a great article on "Faith in Uniform". It has some powerful testimonies from cops from NY to LA. FCPO is mentioned in the article. http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/features2/481-christianity-on-the-job/9732-faith-in-uniform.
I've posted a link to this story here on our website.
That’s about it for this week. Please join us tonight if you’re in the area and, if not, stay tuned for my newsletter and website updates each and every week (don’t forget to pass ‘em on to your colleagues, family and friends). We also strongly encourage you to be part of you own local fellowship of Christian officers (see http://www.fcpo.org/ for a chapter in your area). If a fellowship is not close by, we’ll be glad to help you start one. Stay strong in Christ and watch each other's "six!"
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Updated Prayer Requests and Meeting Schedule
PRAYER REQUESTS -- Updated 9/22:
-- Denver PD Officer Danny Veith is donating a kidney to a DPD Detective Ed David! How awesome is that?! Let's keep both of them in prayer. I'll have more in the upcoming newsletter, including news on how to help out. Stay tuned!
-- Retired Denver PD officer and current DPD Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays told us today that his wife Angie has been diagnosed with liver cancer. Please join us in praying for healing and strength. Like Manny, Angie is mighty in Christ.
-- PRAISE REPORT! Retired DPD Ofc. Mark Roggeman's dad is hanging in there! Mark will be remaining in NC for a few more days to care for his parents. Please pray that his folks come to Christ while there is still time (Mark has been faithful in sharing the Gospel with them despite much resistance to same).
-- Pray for a colleague who is struggling in his marriage (wife is less than supportive). Ask God to direct his path in terms of career and family issues.
-- Pray for an investigator who is dealing with a very painful eye infection.
-- Pray for an investigator and an officer who are both testing for a promotional opportunities (God's will and direction).
-- Thanks to all who prayed for Diana and I on our Fall getaway to Lake City (CO) -- most remote county in the lower 48. Aspens were awesome -- thank you, Lord!
Please refer to the 9/14 post for additional...
UPDATED MEETING SCHEDULE (check back frequently for updates):
-- Thursday, 9/23, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), in the High School Room.
-- Thursday, 9/30, same time/place as detailed above.
-- Denver PD Officer Danny Veith is donating a kidney to a DPD Detective Ed David! How awesome is that?! Let's keep both of them in prayer. I'll have more in the upcoming newsletter, including news on how to help out. Stay tuned!
-- Retired Denver PD officer and current DPD Chaplain/Pastor Manny Hays told us today that his wife Angie has been diagnosed with liver cancer. Please join us in praying for healing and strength. Like Manny, Angie is mighty in Christ.
-- PRAISE REPORT! Retired DPD Ofc. Mark Roggeman's dad is hanging in there! Mark will be remaining in NC for a few more days to care for his parents. Please pray that his folks come to Christ while there is still time (Mark has been faithful in sharing the Gospel with them despite much resistance to same).
-- Pray for a colleague who is struggling in his marriage (wife is less than supportive). Ask God to direct his path in terms of career and family issues.
-- Pray for an investigator who is dealing with a very painful eye infection.
-- Pray for an investigator and an officer who are both testing for a promotional opportunities (God's will and direction).
-- Thanks to all who prayed for Diana and I on our Fall getaway to Lake City (CO) -- most remote county in the lower 48. Aspens were awesome -- thank you, Lord!
Please refer to the 9/14 post for additional...
UPDATED MEETING SCHEDULE (check back frequently for updates):
-- Thursday, 9/23, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), in the High School Room.
-- Thursday, 9/30, same time/place as detailed above.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference Report!
Dear Fellow LEOs:
I got back late Monday from the annual Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) 2010 National Conference in Gulfport (MS) and I’m still pumped! What an awesome time in the Lord and in fellowship with other Christian warriors from all over the United States and Canada. This year’s conference coincided with both 9/11 and the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. FCPO members responded in force to Gulfport to assist and come alongside both area law enforcement and the community in general. As such, having the conference in Gulfport was a powerful opportunity to reconnect with those we served. I also returned truly humbled after being called to serve as FCPO's new national board Vice President. I’ll brief our locals and visitors during Thursday’s meeting and will post a full recap in next week’s newsletter for all those on our growing world-wide mailing list (don’t forget to pass it on to others on YOUR lists). In the mean time, retired Chicago PD Lt. Chuck Urgo and fellow FCPO board member has posted some pics from the conference on his Shutterfly site: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3d7856b961a04388&sid=0AZt2Tdw1ZM2TC8A.
Last week the Holy Spirit led me to move in a direction somewhat away from my prepared message. While I still presented a profession-relevant teaching that had a direct correlation to 9/11, I felt strongly that God was calling us to an extended time of prayer and repentance concerning some of the very heavy things we are dealing with both locally and nationally. It was in fact a very moving time in the Lord!
My 9/11 message – entitled “Let’s Roll” -- the battle cry begun by Todd Beamer on United Flight 93 – is a biblical call to action based in part on the heroic response of those who stood in the gap that fateful September day in 2001. Was allowing the 9/11 attacks part of God’s plan? Was Todd Beamer – a solid, non-fence riding born-again believer -- called by God that day for such a time as this (Esther 4:14; see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MULx5ORrtdo) on 09/11/01)? The answer is an unequivocal “YES!” Todd “ran to the battle” in obedience to God’s plan and purpose for his life. While not a cop by profession, Todd was every bit the warrior that God is calling us – YOU and I -- to be today. Moreover, I believe that 9/11 – what we now call Patriot Day --should be a continual wake-up call to be on our knees for our country in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 (If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.).
As peace officers, God is also calling us to be prepared physically, tactically and SPIRITUALLY to face evil. Reference the latter, Stacie Ruth Stoelting, in her article, Post 9/11 Generation: Let’s Roll (http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/stoelting_9-11.aspx), gives us seven main points about being spiritually "battle ready" to deal with terrorism -- a perhaps perhaps unintended nexus to those of us serving in the military and law enforcement:
(1) We need to prepare: We need to get ready for our future by staying connected with our churches, Christian friends, and, most of all, Jesus Christ. We need to arm ourselves with the ammunition of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6.)
(2) We need to be wise: For the Post 9/11 Generation, the following verse means a lot: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NASB) We need to think like the terrorists (i.e. preventing the recent British plot) and then overcome them with a good plan. Wisdom dictates our battle tactics.
(3) We need to fight evil with good: We need to overcome evil. We need to do what God said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV). Through prayer, preparation, and unity, a lot can be done.
(4) We need to focus: In order to do good things, we need to be focused on our God, who is completely good. He is our loving Heavenly Father who is holy, just, and wise. God alone is the One to Whom we submit our life’s finals for grades. It is only through Jesus Christ alone that we’ll get our A+’s on our life’s finals! He deserves our dedication.
(5) We need to rededicate: That’s why this Post 9/11 Generation must rededicate this country to Christ. We need to become lawyers, politicians, entertainers, managers, and founders of missions so that we can infiltrate the entire scope of America’s culture.
(6) We need to worship: After all, our Boss and Leader is our Heavenly Father Who cares for us. Jehovah-Jireh provides for us. With those provisions, we need to work for God and God alone. This is how: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). Our lives need to be full of acts of worship as we work for Him.
(7) We need to stand strong for Christ: Only when we stand strong for Christ will we truly stand strong for America. Let’s make our kids and grandkids proud. Let’s teach them not only about 9/11, but also about how our faith-filled lives made America greater. With Christ, we can make America greater. Let’s do it.
What about you? Are you ready? Are you willing? Get right with Christ today and let’s roll in HIS service!
See also: Romans 8:28-39 and “Where was God on September 11th?” -- http://www.gotquestions.org/9-11.html.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: I’ve posted the latest prayer requests and local meeting schedule in the next post here on our website. Check back frequently for the latest! In addition, take a moment to review the following:
(1) In addition to being a Park County (CO) deputy, David “DJ” Hannigan is also both a strong believer and an amazing wildlife/nature photographer. His work has been published in a wide variety of print media and he will email his work for FREE to anyone who asks. Interested in seeing some incredible Colorado wildlife and nature shots? Shoot DJ an email at hannigan_d@msn.com and ask him to add you to the list.
(2) Trooper Glen Hunter Benefit! EPD Officer Jason Pearson sent the following announcement: “Join us on October 2, 2010 for a spaghetti fund raiser dinner for Colorado State Patrol Trooper Technician Glen Hunter and his family. Glen has been receiving several medical treatments since May for a serious health condition. With these treatments Glen has incurred extensive medical expenses. The dinner will be held between 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Building 100 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy, 15055 S. Golden Rd. The cost of the dinner is $6.00 per person. Please help to show your support for Glen and his family by attending the dinner. If you are unable to attend, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under Glen Hunter’s name and account #5053650577. All proceeds will help assist Glen and his family with the medical expenses. Call (303) 239-4538 for additional info.
Let's keep Glen in prayer as well.
ANOTHER L.E. BIBLE STUDY GROUP!
El Paso County (CO) S.O. Dep. Greg Maxwell leads a LEO Bible study in the Colorado Springs area that meets every-other-Friday night. Anyone interested can reach Greg by emailing him at lawenforcement@rmcalvary.org and ask him to add you to his email list.
A major goal of this ministry is to encourage officers to meet for Bible study and positive peer fellowship. See our FCPO site (http://www.fcpo.org/, http://www.fcpo.org/locations.html, and http://www.fcpo.org/links.html) and Dep. Mike Dye’s PeaceKeepers site (http://christianlawenforcement.com/ ) to find a group near you. Not one in your area? Email me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com and we’ll show you how to start your own FCPO chapter!
Finally, this study was a reminder that we need to have a sense of urgency in sharing Christ with our fellow officers, family, friends and anyone else who God brings into our lives. That said, if YOU have not yet made a decision for Christ (what it means to turn from your sin and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior) or have fallen away and want to get right with Him today, please contact me and I’ll help you do just that. Our loving Father has a unique plan for YOUR life now and the promise of eternity with Him in heaven than can ONLY come from a personal relationship with His Son. Don’t wait until tomorrow as there are NO second chances once this life ends.
Let’s take care of each other out there!
I got back late Monday from the annual Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) 2010 National Conference in Gulfport (MS) and I’m still pumped! What an awesome time in the Lord and in fellowship with other Christian warriors from all over the United States and Canada. This year’s conference coincided with both 9/11 and the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. FCPO members responded in force to Gulfport to assist and come alongside both area law enforcement and the community in general. As such, having the conference in Gulfport was a powerful opportunity to reconnect with those we served. I also returned truly humbled after being called to serve as FCPO's new national board Vice President. I’ll brief our locals and visitors during Thursday’s meeting and will post a full recap in next week’s newsletter for all those on our growing world-wide mailing list (don’t forget to pass it on to others on YOUR lists). In the mean time, retired Chicago PD Lt. Chuck Urgo and fellow FCPO board member has posted some pics from the conference on his Shutterfly site: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3d7856b961a04388&sid=0AZt2Tdw1ZM2TC8A.
Last week the Holy Spirit led me to move in a direction somewhat away from my prepared message. While I still presented a profession-relevant teaching that had a direct correlation to 9/11, I felt strongly that God was calling us to an extended time of prayer and repentance concerning some of the very heavy things we are dealing with both locally and nationally. It was in fact a very moving time in the Lord!
My 9/11 message – entitled “Let’s Roll” -- the battle cry begun by Todd Beamer on United Flight 93 – is a biblical call to action based in part on the heroic response of those who stood in the gap that fateful September day in 2001. Was allowing the 9/11 attacks part of God’s plan? Was Todd Beamer – a solid, non-fence riding born-again believer -- called by God that day for such a time as this (Esther 4:14; see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MULx5ORrtdo) on 09/11/01)? The answer is an unequivocal “YES!” Todd “ran to the battle” in obedience to God’s plan and purpose for his life. While not a cop by profession, Todd was every bit the warrior that God is calling us – YOU and I -- to be today. Moreover, I believe that 9/11 – what we now call Patriot Day --should be a continual wake-up call to be on our knees for our country in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 (If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.).
As peace officers, God is also calling us to be prepared physically, tactically and SPIRITUALLY to face evil. Reference the latter, Stacie Ruth Stoelting, in her article, Post 9/11 Generation: Let’s Roll (http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/stoelting_9-11.aspx), gives us seven main points about being spiritually "battle ready" to deal with terrorism -- a perhaps perhaps unintended nexus to those of us serving in the military and law enforcement:
(1) We need to prepare: We need to get ready for our future by staying connected with our churches, Christian friends, and, most of all, Jesus Christ. We need to arm ourselves with the ammunition of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6.)
(2) We need to be wise: For the Post 9/11 Generation, the following verse means a lot: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NASB) We need to think like the terrorists (i.e. preventing the recent British plot) and then overcome them with a good plan. Wisdom dictates our battle tactics.
(3) We need to fight evil with good: We need to overcome evil. We need to do what God said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV). Through prayer, preparation, and unity, a lot can be done.
(4) We need to focus: In order to do good things, we need to be focused on our God, who is completely good. He is our loving Heavenly Father who is holy, just, and wise. God alone is the One to Whom we submit our life’s finals for grades. It is only through Jesus Christ alone that we’ll get our A+’s on our life’s finals! He deserves our dedication.
(5) We need to rededicate: That’s why this Post 9/11 Generation must rededicate this country to Christ. We need to become lawyers, politicians, entertainers, managers, and founders of missions so that we can infiltrate the entire scope of America’s culture.
(6) We need to worship: After all, our Boss and Leader is our Heavenly Father Who cares for us. Jehovah-Jireh provides for us. With those provisions, we need to work for God and God alone. This is how: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). Our lives need to be full of acts of worship as we work for Him.
(7) We need to stand strong for Christ: Only when we stand strong for Christ will we truly stand strong for America. Let’s make our kids and grandkids proud. Let’s teach them not only about 9/11, but also about how our faith-filled lives made America greater. With Christ, we can make America greater. Let’s do it.
What about you? Are you ready? Are you willing? Get right with Christ today and let’s roll in HIS service!
See also: Romans 8:28-39 and “Where was God on September 11th?” -- http://www.gotquestions.org/9-11.html.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: I’ve posted the latest prayer requests and local meeting schedule in the next post here on our website. Check back frequently for the latest! In addition, take a moment to review the following:
(1) In addition to being a Park County (CO) deputy, David “DJ” Hannigan is also both a strong believer and an amazing wildlife/nature photographer. His work has been published in a wide variety of print media and he will email his work for FREE to anyone who asks. Interested in seeing some incredible Colorado wildlife and nature shots? Shoot DJ an email at hannigan_d@msn.com and ask him to add you to the list.
(2) Trooper Glen Hunter Benefit! EPD Officer Jason Pearson sent the following announcement: “Join us on October 2, 2010 for a spaghetti fund raiser dinner for Colorado State Patrol Trooper Technician Glen Hunter and his family. Glen has been receiving several medical treatments since May for a serious health condition. With these treatments Glen has incurred extensive medical expenses. The dinner will be held between 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Building 100 at the Colorado State Patrol Academy, 15055 S. Golden Rd. The cost of the dinner is $6.00 per person. Please help to show your support for Glen and his family by attending the dinner. If you are unable to attend, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under Glen Hunter’s name and account #5053650577. All proceeds will help assist Glen and his family with the medical expenses. Call (303) 239-4538 for additional info.
Let's keep Glen in prayer as well.
ANOTHER L.E. BIBLE STUDY GROUP!
El Paso County (CO) S.O. Dep. Greg Maxwell leads a LEO Bible study in the Colorado Springs area that meets every-other-Friday night. Anyone interested can reach Greg by emailing him at lawenforcement@rmcalvary.org and ask him to add you to his email list.
A major goal of this ministry is to encourage officers to meet for Bible study and positive peer fellowship. See our FCPO site (http://www.fcpo.org/, http://www.fcpo.org/locations.html, and http://www.fcpo.org/links.html) and Dep. Mike Dye’s PeaceKeepers site (http://christianlawenforcement.com/ ) to find a group near you. Not one in your area? Email me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com and we’ll show you how to start your own FCPO chapter!
Finally, this study was a reminder that we need to have a sense of urgency in sharing Christ with our fellow officers, family, friends and anyone else who God brings into our lives. That said, if YOU have not yet made a decision for Christ (what it means to turn from your sin and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior) or have fallen away and want to get right with Him today, please contact me and I’ll help you do just that. Our loving Father has a unique plan for YOUR life now and the promise of eternity with Him in heaven than can ONLY come from a personal relationship with His Son. Don’t wait until tomorrow as there are NO second chances once this life ends.
Let’s take care of each other out there!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Late-Breaking Prayer Requests and Meeting Update
I just got back from the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference and Katrina reunion in Gulfport, MS. I'll post details soon and we'll have a discussion of same at this week's meeting. That said, here are this week's prayer requests:
9/16 Update:
9/16 Update:
Retired Denver PD officer and current DPD chaplain Manny Hays told us today that his wife Angie has been diagnosed with liver cancer. Please join us in praying for healing and strength. Like Manny, Angie is mighty in Christ.
More PRAYER REQUESTS:
In addition to the ongoing prayers for little Elizabeth Jetton (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal?jid=6106813), please go to God concerning the following...
(1) Pray for Donna, Paul Lee's (TN) bride, reference some really tough back pain issues.
(2) Pray for Robin, Sean Wallace's (KS) wife, reference some potentially serious health issues.
(3) Pray for an officer's family member who has been diagnosed with a very serious health condition.
(4) David Greenhalgh in Canada covets your prayers concerning a very serious issue they are dealing with. On 09/16/10, please take some extra time to join David and his family in prayer.
(5) Jim Hammond in TN asks that we be in prayer for one of his staff members who is suffering from brain cancer.
(6) David Hornsby (TX) asks that we pray for his brother Howard who is also dealing with cancer.
(7) Pray for a deputy in Florida who has been diagnosed with heart issues.
(8) Pray for a struggling FCPO chapter in Kansas.
(9) Continue to lift Erv Meyer (CO) in prayer as he recovers from a serious blood clot issue.
(10) Keep Densey Cole (Chicago) in prayer -- spiritual and physical.
(11) Chuck Urgo (Chicago) asks that we pray for his daughter and as-yet unborn grandchild (safe delivery and no health problems for mother or child).
(12) I just learned that Mark Roggeman's 84-year old father is dying and that Mark is attempting to get a flight to NC to be there. Please pray for Mark, his family, his father Warren, and his mother Kathleen. Warren and Kathleen are Roman Catholic and may not have accepted Christ as Savior (althought Mark has been faithful in sharing with them).
Finally, join me in praying for God's leading and direction for this ministry (FCPO, The Centurion Ministry, etc.).
As you can see, the need is great. See previous lists for more...and let's continue to go God for each others' needs. Thanks also for all the prayers regarding our travel to/from Gulfport. God is indeed good!
MEETING REMINDER(s):
-- Thursday, 9/16/2010:
We will meet as scheduled this Thursday (9/16) from 1900-2030 hours at Calvary South Denver (High School Room) in Littleton -- go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions. I'll brief everyone on the FCPO conference and we'll have a time of profession-relevant Bible study and prayer. Invite a friend or colleague and join us if you're in the Denver metro area. I'll post a full recap for everyone else in next week's newsletter (and this week's edition will be out in a day or two).
-- Thursday, 9/23/2010: Same time/place as detailed above.
Check back frequently for updates. Stay the course!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Late Breaking Prayer Requests & Announcements
Updated (9/14) PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Our own Erv Meyer has been hospitalized here in Denver. Please keep our brother in prayer. I will be visiting this afternoon. If interested in visiting, please shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com for details. UPDATE: Thanks for the prayers -- Praise God, Erv is now home recuperating!
(2) Prayer Request for Joseph Family:
Zachary Joseph, the twenty-four year old son of Colorado's RISS/Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN) Field Services Coordinator Garry Joseph, died after an accident in Cripple Creek last weekend (see http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2010/09/02/courier_gold_rush/news/08_wp_cc_fatality.txt). Many remember Garry from his long career with Thornton (CO) PD before leaving to serve the law enforcement community through the RISS/RMIN program. Garry -- a strong believer -- has asked that we keep his family in prayer and gave his permission to post the request in this forum.
(3) Little Tayler Ellison (daughter of Englewood PD Ofc. Shane Ellison) is once again in need of prayer. Go to her CaringBridge site for more and to post notes of encouragement (initial password is "taylerellison"): http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison.
(4) From a brother in the middle of the fight in Afghanistan:
I have a huge favor to ask of you. My team and I have a huge mission coming up in the very near future. We will need some prayers... the more the better!!!! This is one of those "this is what you train for" situations. Whilst we're at it, let's pray for all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm's way.
(5) Fellow FCPO National Board member Paul Lee in Chattanooga sends the following: Below is the latest update on little Elizabeth Jetton. Please keep her in your prayers. Please continue to pray for Officer Shelia Jetton (mom) and Matt (dad) for wisdom with the decisions they must make regarding their infant daughter who is scheduled for surgery today. For updates, go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal?jid=6053210 Prayers and words of support are coveted.
(6) Please be in prayer for officers, firefighters and of course the public they serve who are all dealing with and/or suffering from the effects of the Four-Mile Fire going on in Four-Mile Canyon (foothills and mountains west of Boulder, CO). Homes are burning to the their foundations and 3000 are currently being affected. Really bad...
(7) Be in prayer for all of us who are traveling to Gulfport (MS) this weekend for the FCPO National Conference.
(8) Pray for a brother officer in Boulder (CO) who is suffering from cancer.
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday (tomorrow), 9/9/10, 7:00-8:00 PM (yes, a short meeting this Thursday), Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), High School Room (new location -- past the main sanctuary at the end of the hall). I'll be teaching a special "9/11" message.
-- Fri-Sun (9/10-12/10), Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS. See http://www.fcpo.org/ for more. Hope you are planning to join us.
-- Thursday, 9/16/10, 7:00-8:30 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton, in the High School Room.
Check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements!
PATRIOT'S DAY (September 11th): Don't forget to fly your flags and say a prayer for all of us who serve in harm's way (police, military, etc.) protecting this nation. Pray also for the families of those who lost loved ones on this day of infamy.
Finally, are you "right" with God today? Let's be sure that we are walking in step with the Lord. Come to Him today if you don't have that "walk" (personal relationship with Christ) and, if you do know Christ as Savior, be sure you are living for Him in all things (Is He the Lord of your life?). Let's stay the course and finish strong!
(1) Our own Erv Meyer has been hospitalized here in Denver. Please keep our brother in prayer. I will be visiting this afternoon. If interested in visiting, please shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com for details. UPDATE: Thanks for the prayers -- Praise God, Erv is now home recuperating!
(2) Prayer Request for Joseph Family:
Zachary Joseph, the twenty-four year old son of Colorado's RISS/Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN) Field Services Coordinator Garry Joseph, died after an accident in Cripple Creek last weekend (see http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2010/09/02/courier_gold_rush/news/08_wp_cc_fatality.txt). Many remember Garry from his long career with Thornton (CO) PD before leaving to serve the law enforcement community through the RISS/RMIN program. Garry -- a strong believer -- has asked that we keep his family in prayer and gave his permission to post the request in this forum.
(3) Little Tayler Ellison (daughter of Englewood PD Ofc. Shane Ellison) is once again in need of prayer. Go to her CaringBridge site for more and to post notes of encouragement (initial password is "taylerellison"): http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison.
(4) From a brother in the middle of the fight in Afghanistan:
I have a huge favor to ask of you. My team and I have a huge mission coming up in the very near future. We will need some prayers... the more the better!!!! This is one of those "this is what you train for" situations. Whilst we're at it, let's pray for all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm's way.
(5) Fellow FCPO National Board member Paul Lee in Chattanooga sends the following: Below is the latest update on little Elizabeth Jetton. Please keep her in your prayers. Please continue to pray for Officer Shelia Jetton (mom) and Matt (dad) for wisdom with the decisions they must make regarding their infant daughter who is scheduled for surgery today. For updates, go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal?jid=6053210 Prayers and words of support are coveted.
(6) Please be in prayer for officers, firefighters and of course the public they serve who are all dealing with and/or suffering from the effects of the Four-Mile Fire going on in Four-Mile Canyon (foothills and mountains west of Boulder, CO). Homes are burning to the their foundations and 3000 are currently being affected. Really bad...
(7) Be in prayer for all of us who are traveling to Gulfport (MS) this weekend for the FCPO National Conference.
(8) Pray for a brother officer in Boulder (CO) who is suffering from cancer.
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday (tomorrow), 9/9/10, 7:00-8:00 PM (yes, a short meeting this Thursday), Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), High School Room (new location -- past the main sanctuary at the end of the hall). I'll be teaching a special "9/11" message.
-- Fri-Sun (9/10-12/10), Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS. See http://www.fcpo.org/ for more. Hope you are planning to join us.
-- Thursday, 9/16/10, 7:00-8:30 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton, in the High School Room.
Check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements!
PATRIOT'S DAY (September 11th): Don't forget to fly your flags and say a prayer for all of us who serve in harm's way (police, military, etc.) protecting this nation. Pray also for the families of those who lost loved ones on this day of infamy.
Finally, are you "right" with God today? Let's be sure that we are walking in step with the Lord. Come to Him today if you don't have that "walk" (personal relationship with Christ) and, if you do know Christ as Savior, be sure you are living for Him in all things (Is He the Lord of your life?). Let's stay the course and finish strong!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"Let's Roll!" A Christian Cop's September 11th Message for Today
My Fellow Warriors:
This week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry newsletter is necessarily a tad long but please take the time to read it through.
UPCOMING MEETING announcement for our locals and visitors:
Due to the fact that a number of us will be flying out to Gulfport (MS) on Friday AM to attend the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference, this Thursday's (9/9) fellowship meeting will be much shorter than usual – hopefully no more than an hour or so. Regardless, I will be teaching a special September 11th (Patriots Day) message that directly impacts all of us in the law enforcement profession. We’ll also have our usual time of worship, prayer and fellowship. Please join us if you can – and don’t forget to invite your wives and colleagues! For everyone else, I’ll post my usual recap – see below -- in next week’s newsletter and on our website.
Regarding same, don’t forget to check back frequently for the latest prayer requests, announcements, meeting updates, updated links/resources, and more.
FCPO FALL NEWSLETTER is here! Check it out and pass it on: http://www.fcpo.org/newsletters/FCPO_Fall_2010.pdf.
MESSAGE RECAP:
We had a great time of fellowship, tactical (profession-relevant) Bible study and prayer last Thursday as we explored the life of Samson as revealed in Judges 13-16. Samson’s story is in many ways OUR story as servant-warriors (law enforcement officers, combat military personnel, etc.). Here’s the recap for all our readers who could not be with us:
Judges 13: Israel is once again in rebellion and compromise (SIN) against God with the just consequences being yet another forty-year period of subjugation at the hands of their sworn enemies, the Philistines.
Judges 13:3-5: Pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord to Samson’s heretofore barren parents announcing that they would have a son who would begin the deliverance of their people. Samson’s God-given physical strength and warrior prowess would make him a real-life “superhero” – a non-fiction Superman.
Judges 14: Compromise begins in the form of rebellion against God’s laws – lust, rejection of God's word and other forms of disobedience. Samson becomes unequally yoked (II Cor. 6:14-16, Exodus 34:16, Deut. 7:3, etc.) with a woman who is both an unbeliever and an enemy of Israel. The results are a litany of further disobedience (sin) – including veiled references to alcohol abuse (getting drunk).
Judges 15: Still, in the midst of overt disobedience, Samson is nevertheless used by God for His glory and purpose. Samson (v. 20) begins to judge Israel (lead, serve/protect – strong law enforcement analogy). Like with Samson, God can still use us in spite of our own sin and rebellion.
Judges 16: Samson’s “Kryptonite,” like with a great many of us serving in our God-ordained profession, was sexual sin. Samson again compromises his calling by engaging in sex outside of marriage -- first with a prostitute and later with Delilah. Regardless of his sin and the eventual consequences, God provides another example of Samson’s supernatural physical strength in v. 3: he physically tears off the two-story high gates from the wall of the fortified city of Gaza – posts and all -- and carries them on his shoulders to the top of a hill some 38 miles away (we're talking tons here)! While this act is clearly superhuman in nature, the passage does not reveal Samson ever giving any of the glory to God. Rather, the text leaves us to conclude that Samson has come to believe that his power is his alone (sins of arrogance and pride).
Judges 16:19-20: Consequences of Compromise: God – in an act of discipline -- ultimately abandons Samson to the consequences of his sin by withdrawing His grace and power. Similar examples of such actions are detailed in Genesis 6:3, Proverbs 1:24-31, *Judges 10:13-4, and *Romans 1:24-32.
A modern example is detailed in Kevin McDowell’s book, Samson of a Man: Saved Soul, Wasted Life. Kevin writes, “God loves His children too much to let them continue in sin. If a believer will not willingly fall on the stone and be broken then God will grind him or her to powder. God is gracious, merciful and patient. He’s not vengeful toward His children. Yet He disciplines those He loves. In 2001, after decades of habitual sin, God crushed me. There had been many opportunities for me to repent. But out of fear I had been unwilling to confess the depths of the sexual depravity that plagued my life. So God forced everything into the light…” Familiar indeed!
Judges 16:28-31: Samson -- blinded, weak and utterly crushed -- finally repents of his sin and calls on the Lord. Sadly, even that act of repentance carried the weight of prideful sin: instead of acting for God’s glory, Samson sought only revenge (Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes. V. 28). However, this also shows that God never forsook Samson, even when he was disobedient. God's mercy was there for Samson even in a Philistine dungeon. All Samson had to do was turn his heart back towards God and receive them.
Even in spite of his sin, God still used Samson to fulfill His purposes and this Judge of Israel was ultimately listed in God’s “Hall of Heroes” in Hebrews 11:32. Sadly, Samson’s story is also one of wasted potential. Imagine what Samson could have accomplished for the Lord had he done all for His purposes and glory instead of his own! While Samson ultimately came to understand the true source of his strength, he never understood his true purpose or realized his true potential. Like with many of us in law enforcement, Samson was “bold before men but weak before women.” Samson was given a call – an assignment from God -- to deliver His people from the yoke of slavery and oppression but instead spent much of his time fraternizing with the very enemy he was born to destroy (what I like to call, "drinking out of your own toilet").
The lessons God has for us in the life and death of Samson are that if we knowingly, intentionally (culpable mental state…) and repeatedly give in to temptation (sin), there will be consequences, and those consequences may very well be justifiably severe! Samson also shows the danger of being a loner: both as a warrior and a leader, Samson forsook any form of backup and held himself accountable to no one. Everything Samson did he did alone and for his own pleasure. He judged (lead) Israel for 20 years and never sought or used help from others – including God. This is definitely NOT God’s plan for us.
As with Samson, sexual sin in our profession and even in the ministry is epidemic (pornography, sex outside marriage, adultery, etc.). It destroys families, careers and lives. Novelist and former LAPD officer/detective Joseph Wambaugh wrote that “booze and broads” are responsible for destroying more police careers than any other outside influence – true indeed!
The good news of Samson’s story is that it is not too late to TURN (repent) from our sin and start over. It does not matter how badly we have failed in the past. God loves YOU. He sent His only Son to die on the cross for YOU – to pay the price for YOUR sins. Please – I beg you – come to Him TODAY. God tells us through Paul in Romans 10:13 that, Everyone who calls (sincerely repents and seeks Christ as Lord and Savior) on the Name of the Lord will be saved. Is that you? Are you right with God today? Do you know Him as your Savior but, like Samson, have fallen away? God has a perfect plan for your life but you must come to Him on HIS terms (and His terms alone) in order to be saved and realize the potential He has for you.
Billy Graham wrote, “Over the years I have talked to thousands of people who have asked me how to find their way to God. Some have sat in church pews all their lives but never come to personally know God. Others have sought for ultimate meaning in all sorts of ways but never found the peace of mind for which they were searching. Some simply realize that there is something vital missing in their lives.
The Bible teaches that this sense of lostness is rooted in the fact that we live in a fallen world in which we are all handicapped by a sin nature: we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And despite our best efforts we are unable to remove the haunting weight of guilt that separates us from our Creator.
God sent his Son to solve our dilemma. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ made the way to God for us by his death on the Cross. He purchased our salvation by the shedding of his blood. His death and resurrection made a new and everlasting covenant between God and humanity. Jesus told his disciples, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). He did not merely point the way to God. He himself claimed to be the only way to the Father and the source of eternal truth and life.
The way to God is through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Intellectual acceptance of Christ is not enough. You must come to him determined to turn from what displeases him, with a total trust in Christ's saving power for you. Christ promises those who turn to him: Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed from death to life (John 5:24).
Today you can come to him by surrendering your life and heart to Christ. The Bible says: To all who received him (Jesus Christ), to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Right where you are you can pray something like this: "Lord, I know that I have sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me and rose from the dead. I invite you into my life to be my Lord and Savior."
If you sincerely put your faith in Christ, God promises not only to forgive you, but also to receive you into his family. It's the greatest discovery you will ever make!”
My fellow sheepdogs (from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s article --http://killology.com/sheep_dog.htm) and shepherds (servant-warriors and servant-leaders) -- that is my prayer for you today. Service in our God-ordained profession does not provide us with a “get out of hell” pass. We can’t make it to heaven on our own strength or our own “good” deeds. Christ is the ONLY way -- surrender your life to Him today as tomorrow may very well be too late and there are NO second chances after this life ends.
Let’s follow hard after our Lord and be all that He has called us to be. Stay the course and finish strong!
This week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry newsletter is necessarily a tad long but please take the time to read it through.
UPCOMING MEETING announcement for our locals and visitors:
Due to the fact that a number of us will be flying out to Gulfport (MS) on Friday AM to attend the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference, this Thursday's (9/9) fellowship meeting will be much shorter than usual – hopefully no more than an hour or so. Regardless, I will be teaching a special September 11th (Patriots Day) message that directly impacts all of us in the law enforcement profession. We’ll also have our usual time of worship, prayer and fellowship. Please join us if you can – and don’t forget to invite your wives and colleagues! For everyone else, I’ll post my usual recap – see below -- in next week’s newsletter and on our website.
Regarding same, don’t forget to check back frequently for the latest prayer requests, announcements, meeting updates, updated links/resources, and more.
FCPO FALL NEWSLETTER is here! Check it out and pass it on: http://www.fcpo.org/newsletters/FCPO_Fall_2010.pdf.
MESSAGE RECAP:
We had a great time of fellowship, tactical (profession-relevant) Bible study and prayer last Thursday as we explored the life of Samson as revealed in Judges 13-16. Samson’s story is in many ways OUR story as servant-warriors (law enforcement officers, combat military personnel, etc.). Here’s the recap for all our readers who could not be with us:
Judges 13: Israel is once again in rebellion and compromise (SIN) against God with the just consequences being yet another forty-year period of subjugation at the hands of their sworn enemies, the Philistines.
Judges 13:3-5: Pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord to Samson’s heretofore barren parents announcing that they would have a son who would begin the deliverance of their people. Samson’s God-given physical strength and warrior prowess would make him a real-life “superhero” – a non-fiction Superman.
Judges 14: Compromise begins in the form of rebellion against God’s laws – lust, rejection of God's word and other forms of disobedience. Samson becomes unequally yoked (II Cor. 6:14-16, Exodus 34:16, Deut. 7:3, etc.) with a woman who is both an unbeliever and an enemy of Israel. The results are a litany of further disobedience (sin) – including veiled references to alcohol abuse (getting drunk).
Judges 15: Still, in the midst of overt disobedience, Samson is nevertheless used by God for His glory and purpose. Samson (v. 20) begins to judge Israel (lead, serve/protect – strong law enforcement analogy). Like with Samson, God can still use us in spite of our own sin and rebellion.
Judges 16: Samson’s “Kryptonite,” like with a great many of us serving in our God-ordained profession, was sexual sin. Samson again compromises his calling by engaging in sex outside of marriage -- first with a prostitute and later with Delilah. Regardless of his sin and the eventual consequences, God provides another example of Samson’s supernatural physical strength in v. 3: he physically tears off the two-story high gates from the wall of the fortified city of Gaza – posts and all -- and carries them on his shoulders to the top of a hill some 38 miles away (we're talking tons here)! While this act is clearly superhuman in nature, the passage does not reveal Samson ever giving any of the glory to God. Rather, the text leaves us to conclude that Samson has come to believe that his power is his alone (sins of arrogance and pride).
Judges 16:19-20: Consequences of Compromise: God – in an act of discipline -- ultimately abandons Samson to the consequences of his sin by withdrawing His grace and power. Similar examples of such actions are detailed in Genesis 6:3, Proverbs 1:24-31, *Judges 10:13-4, and *Romans 1:24-32.
A modern example is detailed in Kevin McDowell’s book, Samson of a Man: Saved Soul, Wasted Life. Kevin writes, “God loves His children too much to let them continue in sin. If a believer will not willingly fall on the stone and be broken then God will grind him or her to powder. God is gracious, merciful and patient. He’s not vengeful toward His children. Yet He disciplines those He loves. In 2001, after decades of habitual sin, God crushed me. There had been many opportunities for me to repent. But out of fear I had been unwilling to confess the depths of the sexual depravity that plagued my life. So God forced everything into the light…” Familiar indeed!
Judges 16:28-31: Samson -- blinded, weak and utterly crushed -- finally repents of his sin and calls on the Lord. Sadly, even that act of repentance carried the weight of prideful sin: instead of acting for God’s glory, Samson sought only revenge (Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes. V. 28). However, this also shows that God never forsook Samson, even when he was disobedient. God's mercy was there for Samson even in a Philistine dungeon. All Samson had to do was turn his heart back towards God and receive them.
Even in spite of his sin, God still used Samson to fulfill His purposes and this Judge of Israel was ultimately listed in God’s “Hall of Heroes” in Hebrews 11:32. Sadly, Samson’s story is also one of wasted potential. Imagine what Samson could have accomplished for the Lord had he done all for His purposes and glory instead of his own! While Samson ultimately came to understand the true source of his strength, he never understood his true purpose or realized his true potential. Like with many of us in law enforcement, Samson was “bold before men but weak before women.” Samson was given a call – an assignment from God -- to deliver His people from the yoke of slavery and oppression but instead spent much of his time fraternizing with the very enemy he was born to destroy (what I like to call, "drinking out of your own toilet").
The lessons God has for us in the life and death of Samson are that if we knowingly, intentionally (culpable mental state…) and repeatedly give in to temptation (sin), there will be consequences, and those consequences may very well be justifiably severe! Samson also shows the danger of being a loner: both as a warrior and a leader, Samson forsook any form of backup and held himself accountable to no one. Everything Samson did he did alone and for his own pleasure. He judged (lead) Israel for 20 years and never sought or used help from others – including God. This is definitely NOT God’s plan for us.
As with Samson, sexual sin in our profession and even in the ministry is epidemic (pornography, sex outside marriage, adultery, etc.). It destroys families, careers and lives. Novelist and former LAPD officer/detective Joseph Wambaugh wrote that “booze and broads” are responsible for destroying more police careers than any other outside influence – true indeed!
The good news of Samson’s story is that it is not too late to TURN (repent) from our sin and start over. It does not matter how badly we have failed in the past. God loves YOU. He sent His only Son to die on the cross for YOU – to pay the price for YOUR sins. Please – I beg you – come to Him TODAY. God tells us through Paul in Romans 10:13 that, Everyone who calls (sincerely repents and seeks Christ as Lord and Savior) on the Name of the Lord will be saved. Is that you? Are you right with God today? Do you know Him as your Savior but, like Samson, have fallen away? God has a perfect plan for your life but you must come to Him on HIS terms (and His terms alone) in order to be saved and realize the potential He has for you.
Billy Graham wrote, “Over the years I have talked to thousands of people who have asked me how to find their way to God. Some have sat in church pews all their lives but never come to personally know God. Others have sought for ultimate meaning in all sorts of ways but never found the peace of mind for which they were searching. Some simply realize that there is something vital missing in their lives.
The Bible teaches that this sense of lostness is rooted in the fact that we live in a fallen world in which we are all handicapped by a sin nature: we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And despite our best efforts we are unable to remove the haunting weight of guilt that separates us from our Creator.
God sent his Son to solve our dilemma. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ made the way to God for us by his death on the Cross. He purchased our salvation by the shedding of his blood. His death and resurrection made a new and everlasting covenant between God and humanity. Jesus told his disciples, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). He did not merely point the way to God. He himself claimed to be the only way to the Father and the source of eternal truth and life.
The way to God is through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Intellectual acceptance of Christ is not enough. You must come to him determined to turn from what displeases him, with a total trust in Christ's saving power for you. Christ promises those who turn to him: Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed from death to life (John 5:24).
Today you can come to him by surrendering your life and heart to Christ. The Bible says: To all who received him (Jesus Christ), to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Right where you are you can pray something like this: "Lord, I know that I have sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me and rose from the dead. I invite you into my life to be my Lord and Savior."
If you sincerely put your faith in Christ, God promises not only to forgive you, but also to receive you into his family. It's the greatest discovery you will ever make!”
My fellow sheepdogs (from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s article --http://killology.com/sheep_dog.htm) and shepherds (servant-warriors and servant-leaders) -- that is my prayer for you today. Service in our God-ordained profession does not provide us with a “get out of hell” pass. We can’t make it to heaven on our own strength or our own “good” deeds. Christ is the ONLY way -- surrender your life to Him today as tomorrow may very well be too late and there are NO second chances after this life ends.
Let’s follow hard after our Lord and be all that He has called us to be. Stay the course and finish strong!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Samson -- a Cop's Story
Fellow Sheepdogs:
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
If we put ourselves on a pedestal, sooner or later, God will have to knock us off, for He is to be our God (first in our lives) and we are to have NO OTHER “god” above Him (there is a reason it is the 1st Commandment)! Clearly, we must not allow this type of sin into our lives and we must seek His help and grace in order to make that effort successful. We must also recognize that our God is sovereign and He is the one that has brought us everything that we might allow ourselves to be properly prideful about! When we know and accept that everything good that we have – including (especially) our commissions as officers – comes from God, then we are wise indeed.
The sin of pride has caused more problems within the law enforcement profession than perhaps any other single issue (one had but to walk around last year’s IACP Conference – the stench of arrogance and pride was overwhelming) and we – as Christian servant-leaders – need to be boldly walking with our Lord to change it.
To be fair, our God-ordained profession is certainly not alone in dealing with this issue. Pride in fact causes a host of problems in almost every area of life – INCLUDING the ministry (intellectual snobbery, pastors who fail to be the shepherds and true servant-leaders they are called to be, etc.).
So how do we overcome sinful pride in our lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
(1) Desire God's Will More Than Your Own
The proud person wants to be in control. Rather, God is calling us to obedience and submission to His lordship and word: And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
2) Accept God's Unconditional Love
God wants us to have a balanced, healthy self-image because we believe two things. First, we believe He created us to be image-bearers of God. Second, we believe He loves us so much that He gave His own Son to save us and reconcile us to Himself.
(3) Develop the Quality of Humility
Jesus is our greatest example. He left the glories of heaven to come to earth and live life as a human being for thirty-three years. He humbled Himself to die a criminal's death on the cross for our salvation, and He invites us to come to Him and learn from Him: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (see also Philippians 2:5-11).
The story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 provides a great treatise on the benefits of humility before God and the consequences of turning from Him out of pride (take the time to read this short chapter). Many years later, a proud pagan king learned the same lesson and expressed it aptly: Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Daniel 4:37
Jeremiah 9:23-24 perhaps says it best: This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.
See also Isaiah 14:12-22 and Psalm 10:4.
If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, wouldn't today be a great time to begin a new life in Him? It takes humility to confess (repent) that you are a sinner and accept that you can NEVER be “good enough” to earn God's favor. Don't let pride keep you from a relationship with God – come to Him humbly today -- tomorrow may very well be too late.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/) in Georgia sent the following – please take a few minutes to watch and remember the sacrifice of all who served and serve: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE .
(2) Tulsa (OK) PD Captain and fellow minister Travis Yates has a great website that is chock full of outstanding resources. There is a link to his site right here on ours or just click on http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/. While I’m “here,” thanks to everyone who has commented on my being Travis’s recent guest on his new Centurion Radio show. There is a link to that broadcast on his site as well.
(3) A number of you have sent me the following and – while I think it is submitted out of context – it is nevertheless interesting given the perilous times we are living in:
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2 Hmmm?
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
Let’s remain vigilant and stay the course with Christ as our Captain!
Updated Prayer Requests & Meeting Schedule
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday, September 2nd, 1900 hours, Multi-Purpose Room, Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions).
-- Thursday, September 9th, same time but we will be moving to the High School Room (all the way to the end of the hall past the sanctuary).
-- Thursday, September 16th, same as the 9th above.
Updated PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Please be in prayer for Fremont (CA) PD Officer Todd Young who was shot and critically injured while serving a warrant last Friday. See http://www.policemag.com/Channel/Patrol/News/2010/08/31/Cirtically-Wounded-Fremont-Officer-s-Condition-Improves.aspx for more.
(2) Pray for a previously wounded officer who is now back in the hospital due to complications from his injuries.
(3) Continue to pray for our wounded brothers undergoing rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood. I’ll be visiting them again this weekend. On a praise note, Michigan Officer Max Faistenhammer has been released to continue his rehab at home. Continue to keep him in prayer as well.
(4) Pray for the families and colleagues of the four officers who have gone down in the line of duty over the past week (see http://www.odmp.org/ for more details).
(5) Pray for a western slope colleague who is testing for promotion in order to answer the call to servant-leadership.
(6) Pray for an investigator who is also seeking advancement with an eye on servant leadership.
(7) The newborn grandson (Brandon) of a Grand Junction PD corporal has been rushed to the hospital suffering from a serious medical condition. Please pray for Brandon, his parents, and the doctors and staff who are treating him.
(8) Pray for all of us traveling to the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS this coming September 10-13.
(9) Pray for our own worship leader, Matt Wallenburg, who has an interview for a position in Broomfield tomorrow (9/2).
(10) Pray for fellow Agent and his family as they deal with a very secular social services agency.
(11) Pray for our brother and sisters who will be "standing in the gap" serving and protecting others in NC/East Coast should this latest hurricane come ashore.
(12) Pray for an officer who is fighting a workers comp lawsuit against his agency, his wife left him on their 16th anniversary, he is filing bankruptcy and his son is in rehab for drug addicition (Lord have mercy!). Moreover, this brother is Jewish by faith. If anyone needs prayer --salvation, obedience, and much more -- this 28-year veteran does.
-- Thursday, September 2nd, 1900 hours, Multi-Purpose Room, Calvary South Denver in Littleton (see http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions).
-- Thursday, September 9th, same time but we will be moving to the High School Room (all the way to the end of the hall past the sanctuary).
-- Thursday, September 16th, same as the 9th above.
Updated PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Please be in prayer for Fremont (CA) PD Officer Todd Young who was shot and critically injured while serving a warrant last Friday. See http://www.policemag.com/Channel/Patrol/News/2010/08/31/Cirtically-Wounded-Fremont-Officer-s-Condition-Improves.aspx for more.
(2) Pray for a previously wounded officer who is now back in the hospital due to complications from his injuries.
(3) Continue to pray for our wounded brothers undergoing rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood. I’ll be visiting them again this weekend. On a praise note, Michigan Officer Max Faistenhammer has been released to continue his rehab at home. Continue to keep him in prayer as well.
(4) Pray for the families and colleagues of the four officers who have gone down in the line of duty over the past week (see http://www.odmp.org/ for more details).
(5) Pray for a western slope colleague who is testing for promotion in order to answer the call to servant-leadership.
(6) Pray for an investigator who is also seeking advancement with an eye on servant leadership.
(7) The newborn grandson (Brandon) of a Grand Junction PD corporal has been rushed to the hospital suffering from a serious medical condition. Please pray for Brandon, his parents, and the doctors and staff who are treating him.
(8) Pray for all of us traveling to the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS this coming September 10-13.
(9) Pray for our own worship leader, Matt Wallenburg, who has an interview for a position in Broomfield tomorrow (9/2).
(10) Pray for fellow Agent and his family as they deal with a very secular social services agency.
(11) Pray for our brother and sisters who will be "standing in the gap" serving and protecting others in NC/East Coast should this latest hurricane come ashore.
(12) Pray for an officer who is fighting a workers comp lawsuit against his agency, his wife left him on their 16th anniversary, he is filing bankruptcy and his son is in rehab for drug addicition (Lord have mercy!). Moreover, this brother is Jewish by faith. If anyone needs prayer --salvation, obedience, and much more -- this 28-year veteran does.
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