Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Right off, I want to encourage everyone in and/or visiting the Denver Metro area to join us this Thursday at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable, “must see” presentation by Colorado State Patrol Trooper Scott Hinshaw. As many of you may remember, Scott sustained horrific injuries in the same line-of-duty incident that took the life of fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton in October of 2007. Scott, a true “cop’s cop,” has been through numerous surgeries in what continues to be the fight of his life. I don’t want to give too much away, but Scott’s inspiring story ties right in with my recent message on what it means to be in/seek God’s will and the corresponding “Why bad things happen to ‘good’ people” presentation. Please invite a friend/colleague and join us Thursday at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton.
Remember that this will be our LAST meeting for 2009 (no meetings December 24th or 31st). I will of course have special CHRISTmas and New Year’s messages in our upcoming newsletters/website posts – stay tuned!
FIRST ANNUAL TCLEF CHRISTMAS PARTY (& other announcements)!!
(1) Don’t forget that JeffCo Dep. Art Briles and his wife Lonni are hosting our first annual TCLEF CHRISTmas potluck party this Saturday (12/14/09) starting at 1500 hours. Please email me if you plan to attend (all are welcome) and I’ll provide their Sheridan address near Federal and Hampden. I’ll also send out a reminder with more details later this week. Please plan on joining us!
(2) We’re now listed on PoliceOne.com! Check it out at http://www.policeone.com/police-blogs/page-2/. I’ve included a link on our website both in the LINKS section and at the bottom just above the counter. PoliceOne provides outstanding training info – check regularly.
(3) Christian writer Kristi Neace, who is also a police spouse, has written a book for the wives of LEOs entitled “Lives Behind the Badge.” Go to http://www.kristineace.com/ or http://englishmountainpress.com/ebooks/NeaceKristi/index.htm for more.
(4) Ft. Hood Police Department Sgt. Kimberly Munley now has a blog site that details her recovery in the aftermath of being shot when she and Sgt. Mark Todd confronted and stopped terrorist Nidal Hasan on November 5th. Kim covets our prayers as she undergoes a potentially career-ending total knee replacement surgery in January. Follow her progress and send encouraging messages to Kim at http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s message centered on the importance of BALANCE in our lives as peace officers. As I’ve often “preached” – and I was among the worst offenders – our calling as LEOs does not mean that we should be living “the job” and making the badge our “god.” Exodus 20:1-6 provides the prime scriptural reference for this theme. The second Commandment (v. 3) says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does “god” refer to? In brief, it is anything – ANYTHING – that we put first in our lives aside from our Lord and/or anything that becomes our identity outside of our relationship with Christ. God made us His sheepdogs – but He requires RELATIONSHIP with Him first and foremost. Moreover, His Word (the Bible) provides a wealth of references to what our priorities MUST be: God first, family, then our work. This point is repeatedly highlighted through our appallingly high rate of suicide, alcoholism, divorce and related issues. In fact, I recently received a very sad email that very decidedly underscores this issue: a retired officer took his own life on the steps of his PD! Was life after “the job” so empty that it was the catalyst for this kind of tragedy? The truth is that injury, illness, a mistake, and a plethora of other issues can end our careers at a moment’s notice. Is law enforcement the only real purpose and meaning in your life? Is your self-esteem based on what you do as a cop? If so, it is most assuredly outside of God’s will for your life. If this is you, I strongly suggest that you re-evaluate your priorities, repent, and ask God to help you establish the proper balance. Affirm with our Lord your desire to be known by who you are in Him versus what you do. If you need help in this area, please feel free to contact me! For more, check out Os Hillman’s short devotional on the subject: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=55898&columnid=5098.
LAKEWOOD (WA) MEMORIAL SERVICE:
I was able to catch a few moments of the memorial service for our Lakewood PD brothers/sister last week. I’ve attended a great many police funerals and I have to say that this one was the most impressive – truly first class. The sight of 3000 police units, 20,000+ officers (including more than 1000 squared-away RCMP), outstanding public support, and so much more was truly awe-inspiring. In regards to Ofc. Tina Griswold, her tribute made it perfectly clear that our fellow servant-warrior was a Christian – and a Christian first! Retired RCMP Officer David Greenhalgh (his son -- a current RCMP troop -- was in attendance) sent the following link which includes Tina’s tribute via a close family friend who also quotes Ecclesiastes 3:11! Please take the time to watch: http://www.kirotv.com/video/21901949/index.html.
Here are some additional links to the service, including a video tribute to all four officers (Note the music Tina’s family selected – oohrah!): http://www.kirotv.com/video/21902473/index.html; Flag presentation and final radio call: http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Watch-Flags-presented-final-radio-call-78827347.html.
I don’t know if the other officers knew Christ or not. What about you? Do you know Him as Savior? If not, get RIGHT with him now as tomorrow may very well be too late. See last week’s post for more…
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Today is Tayler Ellison’s 5th birthday (daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison). Unlike most of us, this little warrior had to spend her birthday undergoing yet another round of chemo for the brain cancer issues she has battled most of her young life. Tayler and her family covet your prayers.
(2) Officer Joseph Buford from Highland Park, MI sent the following: I am asking for prayers regarding the untimely passing of one of our reserve officers, Dwayne Taylor. Dwayne passed last night from his own hand during an hour of depression that overtook him. Dwayne was an outstanding officer and a dear friend… Let’s join Joe in keeping Dwayne’s family and colleagues in our prayers.
(3) Eastpointe (MI) Police Chaplain James Friedman is requesting prayer for his wife Lee who underwent major surgery earlier today.
(4) Join me in praying for TCLEF “Dad” Erv Meyer who is suffering from a degenerative medical condition that is forcing him to move to a warmer, lower-altitude locale. Erv has been a mainstay of this ministry from “day one” and is a true “sheepdog” in every sense. “We love you brother!!”
(5) Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily really need your continued prayers as he rehabs at Craig Hospital here in Denver. I can’t begin to adequately describe all that Chris and Em have been through/are going through since Chris was ambushed and shot in the head early this year. See more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
(6) Be in prayer for a colleague in Grand Junction who is battling some severe health issues of her own.
(7) As you know, we’ve been in prayer for Denver PD Ofc. Allison Casias and JeffCo Detective Art Peterson. Allison was recently honored by her PD for helping lift the stolen truck off of Art in Englewood earlier this year. Art has reportedly improved enough that he may soon be returning to duty (I consider this a miracle) while Allison has improved enough to go home while continuing her rehab. Let’s continue to keep both in prayer.
(8) Finally, please continue to remember wounded Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in your prayers. This brother may be facing a truly daunting future (spiritual and physical) and is very much in need of God’s intervention and protection.
As always, send me your prayer requests and I’ll post them here as appropriate (and pray for you regardless).
Right off, I want to encourage everyone in and/or visiting the Denver Metro area to join us this Thursday at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable, “must see” presentation by Colorado State Patrol Trooper Scott Hinshaw. As many of you may remember, Scott sustained horrific injuries in the same line-of-duty incident that took the life of fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton in October of 2007. Scott, a true “cop’s cop,” has been through numerous surgeries in what continues to be the fight of his life. I don’t want to give too much away, but Scott’s inspiring story ties right in with my recent message on what it means to be in/seek God’s will and the corresponding “Why bad things happen to ‘good’ people” presentation. Please invite a friend/colleague and join us Thursday at Calvary South Denver, 9052 Ken Caryl Avenue in Littleton.
Remember that this will be our LAST meeting for 2009 (no meetings December 24th or 31st). I will of course have special CHRISTmas and New Year’s messages in our upcoming newsletters/website posts – stay tuned!
FIRST ANNUAL TCLEF CHRISTMAS PARTY (& other announcements)!!
(1) Don’t forget that JeffCo Dep. Art Briles and his wife Lonni are hosting our first annual TCLEF CHRISTmas potluck party this Saturday (12/14/09) starting at 1500 hours. Please email me if you plan to attend (all are welcome) and I’ll provide their Sheridan address near Federal and Hampden. I’ll also send out a reminder with more details later this week. Please plan on joining us!
(2) We’re now listed on PoliceOne.com! Check it out at http://www.policeone.com/police-blogs/page-2/. I’ve included a link on our website both in the LINKS section and at the bottom just above the counter. PoliceOne provides outstanding training info – check regularly.
(3) Christian writer Kristi Neace, who is also a police spouse, has written a book for the wives of LEOs entitled “Lives Behind the Badge.” Go to http://www.kristineace.com/ or http://englishmountainpress.com/ebooks/NeaceKristi/index.htm for more.
(4) Ft. Hood Police Department Sgt. Kimberly Munley now has a blog site that details her recovery in the aftermath of being shot when she and Sgt. Mark Todd confronted and stopped terrorist Nidal Hasan on November 5th. Kim covets our prayers as she undergoes a potentially career-ending total knee replacement surgery in January. Follow her progress and send encouraging messages to Kim at http://sgtmunley.blogspot.com/.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s message centered on the importance of BALANCE in our lives as peace officers. As I’ve often “preached” – and I was among the worst offenders – our calling as LEOs does not mean that we should be living “the job” and making the badge our “god.” Exodus 20:1-6 provides the prime scriptural reference for this theme. The second Commandment (v. 3) says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does “god” refer to? In brief, it is anything – ANYTHING – that we put first in our lives aside from our Lord and/or anything that becomes our identity outside of our relationship with Christ. God made us His sheepdogs – but He requires RELATIONSHIP with Him first and foremost. Moreover, His Word (the Bible) provides a wealth of references to what our priorities MUST be: God first, family, then our work. This point is repeatedly highlighted through our appallingly high rate of suicide, alcoholism, divorce and related issues. In fact, I recently received a very sad email that very decidedly underscores this issue: a retired officer took his own life on the steps of his PD! Was life after “the job” so empty that it was the catalyst for this kind of tragedy? The truth is that injury, illness, a mistake, and a plethora of other issues can end our careers at a moment’s notice. Is law enforcement the only real purpose and meaning in your life? Is your self-esteem based on what you do as a cop? If so, it is most assuredly outside of God’s will for your life. If this is you, I strongly suggest that you re-evaluate your priorities, repent, and ask God to help you establish the proper balance. Affirm with our Lord your desire to be known by who you are in Him versus what you do. If you need help in this area, please feel free to contact me! For more, check out Os Hillman’s short devotional on the subject: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=55898&columnid=5098.
LAKEWOOD (WA) MEMORIAL SERVICE:
I was able to catch a few moments of the memorial service for our Lakewood PD brothers/sister last week. I’ve attended a great many police funerals and I have to say that this one was the most impressive – truly first class. The sight of 3000 police units, 20,000+ officers (including more than 1000 squared-away RCMP), outstanding public support, and so much more was truly awe-inspiring. In regards to Ofc. Tina Griswold, her tribute made it perfectly clear that our fellow servant-warrior was a Christian – and a Christian first! Retired RCMP Officer David Greenhalgh (his son -- a current RCMP troop -- was in attendance) sent the following link which includes Tina’s tribute via a close family friend who also quotes Ecclesiastes 3:11! Please take the time to watch: http://www.kirotv.com/video/21901949/index.html.
Here are some additional links to the service, including a video tribute to all four officers (Note the music Tina’s family selected – oohrah!): http://www.kirotv.com/video/21902473/index.html; Flag presentation and final radio call: http://www.king5.com/video/featured-videos/Watch-Flags-presented-final-radio-call-78827347.html.
I don’t know if the other officers knew Christ or not. What about you? Do you know Him as Savior? If not, get RIGHT with him now as tomorrow may very well be too late. See last week’s post for more…
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Today is Tayler Ellison’s 5th birthday (daughter of Englewood PD Officer Shane Ellison). Unlike most of us, this little warrior had to spend her birthday undergoing yet another round of chemo for the brain cancer issues she has battled most of her young life. Tayler and her family covet your prayers.
(2) Officer Joseph Buford from Highland Park, MI sent the following: I am asking for prayers regarding the untimely passing of one of our reserve officers, Dwayne Taylor. Dwayne passed last night from his own hand during an hour of depression that overtook him. Dwayne was an outstanding officer and a dear friend… Let’s join Joe in keeping Dwayne’s family and colleagues in our prayers.
(3) Eastpointe (MI) Police Chaplain James Friedman is requesting prayer for his wife Lee who underwent major surgery earlier today.
(4) Join me in praying for TCLEF “Dad” Erv Meyer who is suffering from a degenerative medical condition that is forcing him to move to a warmer, lower-altitude locale. Erv has been a mainstay of this ministry from “day one” and is a true “sheepdog” in every sense. “We love you brother!!”
(5) Mahnomen (MN) County Deputy Chris Dewey and his wife Emily really need your continued prayers as he rehabs at Craig Hospital here in Denver. I can’t begin to adequately describe all that Chris and Em have been through/are going through since Chris was ambushed and shot in the head early this year. See more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey.
(6) Be in prayer for a colleague in Grand Junction who is battling some severe health issues of her own.
(7) As you know, we’ve been in prayer for Denver PD Ofc. Allison Casias and JeffCo Detective Art Peterson. Allison was recently honored by her PD for helping lift the stolen truck off of Art in Englewood earlier this year. Art has reportedly improved enough that he may soon be returning to duty (I consider this a miracle) while Allison has improved enough to go home while continuing her rehab. Let’s continue to keep both in prayer.
(8) Finally, please continue to remember wounded Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in your prayers. This brother may be facing a truly daunting future (spiritual and physical) and is very much in need of God’s intervention and protection.
As always, send me your prayer requests and I’ll post them here as appropriate (and pray for you regardless).
