Easter Message

Dear Fellow Servant-Warriors:

As stated earlier, this week's Centurion Law Enforcement Fellowship meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday, 4/9) from 1830-1930 hours at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton. I'll be teaching a special Easter message that is geared directly towards all those who serve in our God-ordained profession. Hope to see you there!

Last week's message centered on the concept of developing our "warrior spirit" from a Biblical perspective. To recap (for those who missed it), I showed how the "warrior spirit" that should be a part of every LEO's ethos can and should be applied biblically. In brief, the "warrior spirit" can be said to be a combination of confidence, concentration and tenacity. Developing that mindset from a biblical perspective involves the following points:

(1) Be prepared/anticipate the threat. (Ezekiel 38:7, Ephesians 6:10-18)

(2) "Train like you fight and fight like you train." We train for combat with the enemy so we will react exactly the way we did it training. The same is true in our spiritual walk (study of God's word, being in fellowship with like-minded Christian officers, etc.).

(3) Never quit! (Philippians 3:12-15, Ephesians 6:14-18)

(4) Build confidence through training and fitness. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Matthew 6:33, James 1:6-8)

(5) Employ physical force with speed, surprise and violence of action (and yes, using deadly force against a homicidal adversary is biblically acceptable). Romans 13:1-7 aside, Scripture contains a plethora of examples of the warrior ethos in action. In short, God, when mocked or his children threatened does NOT play!

PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, I encourage you to send me your prayer requests and praise reports):

(1) Be in prayer for the families (natural and professional) of the Pittsburgh PD officers who "gave all" and for the recovery of those who were wounded. http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/19129162/index.html.

(2) Pray (God's will) for two colleagues as they interview for other positions.

(3) Praise Report! A brother in NM has been offered a position with a new agency where his skills and talents will be better served (and where he can best be used by God).

(4) From Brother Yates with Ten-Four Ministries: Pray that God will comfort and guide two officers who are both named Derek, both new in their relationship with Christ, and both facing some extreme stress/critical job burdens.

(5) Continue to pray for me as I seek God's guidance and direction for both this ministry and in my work. Praise God as well for giving His Divine guidance in successfully closing year-long criminal investigation (suspects tracked down, confessions, warrants, etc.)

Finally, and as we approach what we traditionally call "Easter" (death and resurrection of Jesus Christ), I want to ask each of you the following questions:

(1) Have you accepted Christ as Savior (what we call being "born again")?

(2) If you have, have you also grown enough in your faith that he is your Lord (there is a difference)?

(3) If not, WHY not? As we are reeling from the carnage inflicted on our brother officers all around our country, there should be no one with whom we can better relate than a Savior who died and rose for YOU! Don't wait another day to come to know Him as your Savior and yes, to make Him your Lord.

I would encourage you to take the time to watch "The Passion of the Christ" with you families (not recommended for young children) this Easter. In the interim, the following says it better than I ever could: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukZmPwHpuBA.

To all: May the meaning of Easter be yours. Yes, "Happy" Easter -- HE IS RISEN!"