Cops & God's "300" (Part 2)

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

First off (for my locals), there will be NO MEETING this week due to duty and training requirements. Deputy Art Briles was going to teach in my stead but he too has been called to work this Saturday morning. I was considering holding the meeting this Thursday but figured those who attend regularly could use a break. We’ll pick it back up on Saturday, November 22nd.

That said, we had a terrific study last Saturday on the subject of “God’s 300” (Judges 7). So how does the story of Gideon and his 300 God-chosen warriors routing a Midianite army apply to EVERY Christian (and LEOs in particular) today? God literally used a man (Gideon) hiding in a wheat field and terrified of an oppressive enemy to become one His greatest examples of what it means to trust Him in all we do. Hebrews 11 tells us, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

Gideon’s story can become OUR story when we realize that the key to victory in any circumstance of life is not the dissolution of the problem we face but relying on God’s Spirit to help us through any challenge we are experiencing. Our victory over adversity can be the same as Gideon's by following these three steps:
(1) Focus on God’s Word: Ephesians 6:17-18
(2) Resist sin: James 4:7-8
(3) Rely on God’s Spirit: Romans 8:12-13

The world’s solution – and our solution as LEOs -- is to all-too-often rely on our own efforts via superior training, conditioning and experience. But God’s perfect solution is that we rely (trust) on the One who can help you overcome the greatest fears and enemies in your life. Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This story also tells us that God is looking for “a few good men” who will sacrifice and STAND for Him. Is that you? Are you going forward spiritually? Time will tell whether you are a true follower of Jesus Christ. With all that is happening in the world today, understand that your test will be on a battlefield and not in a church. How will you hold up when difficulties and persecution come (and it IS coming)? God is looking for men and women to enlist in HIS army – His devine SWAT team. Are you ready to stand in the gap for Christ?


POLICE FACEBOOK:
While I certainly can’t recommend all the links, Police Facebook is up and running and has LOTS of Christian law enforcement resources (including ours). Check it out at www.policefacebook.com.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) In keeping with the above them, please continue to be “on your knees” for our country and those who lead/will be leading us. Remember our brothers and sisters serving overseas as well.
(2) Thanks to those who prayed for me last week: I’m feeling much better.
(3) Pray for this and similar ministries as we continue to reach our fellow LEOs for Christ and make an impact in reducing divorce, depression, officer suicide, and more.
(4) Some weeks ago I wrote about the murder-suicide of two local officers after a child abuse charge was laid against them. There is now more on this and it’s disturbing. I noted that the local media did not bother to highlight the investigative error and the deaths that followed in the same manner as they first reported this case. Regardless, autopsy results indicate that the child had NOT been abused as originally reported but rather suffered from a congenital defect that prevents muscles from properly developing. The lesson here is that we need to be super-diligent in the way we conduct investigations to ensure that we get the TRUTH and not just arrests or convictions. This whole situation is incredibly tragic. Please keep the surviving families in your prayers.
(5) Finally, please continue to pray for the family of a Colorado Chief of Police who took his own life early this year. There is still a great deal of pain and discord that likely needs His intervention to bring about healing.

Remember to help us get the “WORD” out by passing on our newsletters and website “411” to others. Stay safe out there and let’s take care of each other!