UPDATED: Knowing God's Will for Your Life

Fellow Sheepdogs:

To say that this last week has been busy would be nothing short of understatement. However, our perfect Chief readily supplies all our training, armor, and weaponry for the fight -- Ephesians 6:10-18. That said, we're ON for this week's fellowship meeting and Bible study: (RESCHEDULED) Saturday, 10/31/09, at 0900 hours, Calvary South Denver in Littleton. This week's topic centers around how we can KNOW God's will for our lives. Is that possible? Most definitely! A major part of the Christian life is making the free-will decision to follow, love and obey Him as opposed to trying to do it "my way." If we're honest, the vast majority of us would have to ask, "So how's that working out for ya?" in terms of our way vs. God's way. We'll dig into it on Thursday -- please join us!

STUDY RECAP

This week's study ties in very well with my teaching last Thursday: that God's kingdom is not a democracy (Praise God -- perfect leadership, perfect government!!) and that the whole idea of being a true "Christian" centers around following the God of the whole Bible as opposed to the "god" of our own creation, comfort zone and ideas. Ofc. Travis Yates' (10-4 Ministries/The Centurion Papers) penned an outstanding piece -- Christianity & Sports -- in which he quotes an article written by Tom Krattenmaker in USA Today entitled "And I'd like to thank God Almighty." Krattenmaker's chief target is Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (and his ilk) and the proposition that Tim's "kind of religion" promotes "intolerance" and is "out of sync" with "mainstream" (hmm) Christianity. Krattenmaker goes on to cite a recent Pew Study which stated that 65% of American "Christians" believe there is more than one way to eternal life and thus have a "more generous conception of salvation." Travis writes, "Krattenmaker may think he is on to something but there is a deep seeded problem with his logic. Those 65% of American Christians are likely not Christians at all. How is anyone saved by a Gospel they do not even know or believe in? This is not the Gospel. The Gospel, as the Tebow Family raises high, is exclusive. There is no other way other than Jesus Christ. Travis also points out that "Jesus is not so much the problem when He is mentioned as "A Way" but change one word and expect everything around you to break lose. The world (and USA Today) will gladly accept Jesus as "A Way" but as soon as He is "The Way", everything changes."

See http://www.thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2009/10/christianity-sports.html for Travis' complete blog.

So what is the point here? Is Christ "a" way or "THE" way? As I've previously pointed out, God's answer, as cited in John 14:6, is crystal clear: "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

The website GotQuestions.org has a terrific response that sums up our study question beautifully: http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html. Don't take my word for it -- check out the article and search God's word (THE answer) instead! Are you ready to accept His call and follow after Him?


MEETING CALENDAR (Subject to change -- check the website and your email for updates.)

-- Saturday, 10/31/09, 0900 hours, Calvary South Denver (regular meeting).
-- Fri-Sun, 11/6-8/09, FCPO National Conference, Glen Eyrie, Colorado Springs (see below). NO MEETING on Thursday, 11/5 as I'll be preparing for my duties at the conference.
-- Thursday, 11/12/09, NO MEETING
-- Thursday, 11/19/09, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (regular meeting)
-- Thursday, 11/26/09 THANKSGIVING (no meeting -- duh)!!

*** FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN PEACE OFFICERS National Conference! 11/6-8/09. Go to http://www.fcpo.org/ and/or email me for details. While officers will be coming from all over the world, I'm strongly encouraging our Front Range members, visitors and supporters to attend as the conference is here in Colorado this year at the famous Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs. If money is an issue, we have space/scholarships for a limited number of officers, spouses and/or supporters (day passes, rooms, etc.) who would otherwise not be able to attend. LET ME KNOW!!


"OFFICER DOWN" UPDATES

-- Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey: Chris will have an important surgery on November 4th. His wonderful wife Emily is a model of courage and strength for her warrior-husband. Both very much covet your prayers and support. See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for daily updates and details (getting registered is easy).

-- Jefferson County (CO) Deputy Art Peterson: I visited with Art at Swedish Hospital last Friday and he is improving -- so much so that he may get to go home this week or next! Art still has a long way to go and his "back to duty" status is still very much in doubt. I had the honor of praying with/for Art and he very much needs more of the same! That said, PRAISE GOD for answered prayer so far!!

-- Denver PD Officer Allison Casias is -- PRAISE GOD -- making progress but still can't have visitors. However, Allison may be moved to a long-term facility this week or next. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias for details. I was able to meet with her family and pray with them last Friday. Allison and her family need our continued prayer and support.

-- The young daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison, Tayler Ellison, is having a rough week but is a "trooper." Please keep her in prayer as she undergoes yet more chemo. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison for more.


PRAYER REQUESTS (As always, send 'em and I'll post them as appropriate.)

-- Former Oxnard (CA) PD Officer Chris Orsini sent a request asking that we pray for retired Officer Bud Hoffman who is suffering from pneumonia and heart problems.

-- FCPO board member and fellow Warrior Paul Lee in Tennessee is asking that we be in prayer for his wife Donna who is in great pain and scheduled for surgery Nov. 21st, if not sooner.

-- Pray for a Christian officer who is a finalist for a law enforcement management position and a chance to lead (simply ask our Lord to intervene in accordance with His will alone).

-- Pray for a brother officer in NM who is struggling with some personal issues.

-- Pray for the child of a CO officer who is currently hospitalized in Aurora.

-- Pray for a fellow investigator currently serving on active duty in Kuwait. While we're at it, let's all be in prayer for our fellow officers and military personnel serving in harm's way all over the world -- "THANK YOU for your service, fellow warriors!"

-- Continue to be in prayer for Officer Densey Cole who is now back in Chicago. Let's continue to ask God for healing AND protection.

-- I've been made aware of what is truly an almost daily issue in our country -- especially in terms of small-town policing. I recommend everyone go to http://www.policelink.monster.com/ and click on the Police Officer Suspended for Ticketing Mayor's Son article. Let's keep Ofc. Josh Rowell in prayer, as well as Chief Heinz Koop (that he would step-up and fight for his officer). I don't know the whole story but my gut says that this is yet another "Do you know who I am" scenario that routinely ends officers' careers. DO THE RIGHT THING!

-- I've learned that three DEA agents were killed in the chopper crash in Afghanistan. Please be in prayer for their families and colleagues. See story on the same Police Link page.

Finally, I'll leave you with this awesome Tangle video that serves as a great reminder of exactly how much our Lord loves us. Well worth the watch! http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=ac73dc200b76dc05b071&utm_source=newsletter1020&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos
"Thank you Lord for loving me and taking my place on the cross! I love you my Jesus!"

Stay the course and PASS IT ON!