2010 is imminent and many will undoubtedly get reports kicked back for using the wrong year for a month or so. In addition, most of us will be working at least part of the holiday weekend. Let our first “New Year’s resolution” be to take on an extra measure of "sheepdog" safety for both ourselves and our brother/sister officers, including asking God to protect us and bring us home safe in 2010.
MEETING UPDATE:
Just a reminder for our Front Range locals and visitors that we will NOT be meeting tomorrow (New Year’s Eve). Rather, our next meeting will be the first of 2010: Thursday, January 7th! I’ll have more in the next newsletter but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.
Speaking of resolutions from a Christian perspective (yes, let’s decide today to make New Year’s a CHRISTIAN holiday) check this out from http://www.gotquestions.org/:
Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has a chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.
So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) Pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) Pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) Rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) Find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) Don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead allow them to motivate you further; (6) Don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
GOOD NEWS, RESOURCES, AND MORE:
(1) On the “good news” front, Phoenix PD Officer Mike Burns did an OUTSTANDING job saving an abducted girl. Great police work but, in my view, also very much a God-ordained, Esther “… for a time such as this” moment. See http://www.policeone.com/suspect-pursuit/articles/1983101-Ariz-cop-credited-with-saving-abducted-girl/. Let’s ask God to put us in “harm’s way” to do accomplish more of the same for HIS glory!
(2) Great Bible tool about God’s promises from Pastor Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4944565/k.9C37/Gods_Promises.htm.
(3) Super cop testimony from Texas Ofc. Chuck Lerner: http://blessthebadge.com/452.html.
(4) Finally, let’s close out 2009 with a SUPER “feel good” story on the “real value of a free throw” that I just have to share (great lessons here): http://www.denverpost.com/billjohnson/ci_11804529.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Let’s be in prayer for the family and colleagues of Ottawa (Canada) officer Eric Czapnik who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. See
http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/129587-ottawa-officer-killed-in-stabbing-outside-hospital?utm_source=lodd&utm_content=20091230 for more.
(2) Pray for the family and colleagues of Pierce County (WA) deputy Kent Mundell who succumbed to his injuries after being ambushed. Thanks for all those who prayed for his survival. God had a different plan and our mandate is to trust and be sure we share the truth of the Gospel with our brother/sister officers BEFORE something like this happens.
(3) Pray for our ministry mentor and charter supporter Erv Meyer as he heads down to Arizona for health reasons. He is already missed but I’m excited to see what our fellow warrior is going to do for the Kingdom.
(4) Fellow CO State Criminal Investigator Cliff Hinson has asked us to pray for a colleague who is fighting cancer.
(5) Virginia-based Federal Special Agent Dexter Wells has asked us to prayer for a fellow SA (“Dan”) who has suffered a stroke.
(6) PRAISE REPORT!! Thanks for all who have been praying for wounded Ft. Hood PD Officer Kim Munley! See her blog for the "good news" update and be in prayer for Kim reference her upcoming surgery!
Finally, I’m including the following message from fellow FCPO board member/President John Stuermer. I rarely post such items but the FCPO is a great organization – TCLEF will be a FCPO chapter in the near future and FCPO’s goals mirror our own – and as such I feel led to include it. Please and respond accordingly.
Happy New Year!
Mark 12:41-43: Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions."
Finally, I’m including the following message from fellow FCPO board member/President John Stuermer. I rarely post such items but the FCPO is a great organization – TCLEF will be a FCPO chapter in the near future and FCPO’s goals mirror our own – and as such I feel led to include it. Please and respond accordingly.
Happy New Year!
Mark 12:41-43: Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions."
Dear Saints,
FCPO has been presented a challenging opportunity – and you can help turn it into a reality!
For a limited time a generous friend is willing to match dollar-for-dollar every gift we receive up to $70,000. This may sound like a steep mountain to climb, but I firmly believe with the participation of all, it can be accomplished within the limits prescribed.
These are exciting times for FCPO. January 1st we bring on a new Executive Director, former pastor, Lamar S. Moore, and we’re planning to extend more directly into the lives of young officers just coming into law enforcement. A portion of the grant is to help us guide them in how to deal with the strange new police culture they have entered. Law enforcement changes not only their lives but the lives of those around them. For many the change is too great to handle, resulting in a high divorce rate, dependence on alcohol or drugs and closing themselves off from friends and family. We are beginning a pilot program to tackle this problem right here in Chattanooga . If it bears the fruit we are hoping for, we hope it can be extended to agencies elsewhere.
We close the book on 2009 reflecting on several significant accomplishments:
· A new Executive Director to work closely with the National Board in carrying out new initiatives in taking Christ to law enforcement personnel.
· New enlarged office space and computer software to handle our expanding needs.
· A heightened sense that “God is at work” through FCPO to help us accomplish our three-fold mission of:
o Reaching the lost in law enforcement (LE) with Christ’s gospel.
o Encouraging Christian law enforcement personnel to be bold in sharing their faith with fellow officers and those whose lives they impact, and
o Providing spiritual comfort and support to who are touched by the ministry.
Your prayers and gifts always make a world of difference for eternity. By responding favorably to this matching gift offer, each dollar you give now will be worth two. Please say “yes” and help us meet this exciting challenge. You can make your gift by going to our website at www.fcpo.org .
FCPO has been presented a challenging opportunity – and you can help turn it into a reality!
For a limited time a generous friend is willing to match dollar-for-dollar every gift we receive up to $70,000. This may sound like a steep mountain to climb, but I firmly believe with the participation of all, it can be accomplished within the limits prescribed.
These are exciting times for FCPO. January 1st we bring on a new Executive Director, former pastor, Lamar S. Moore, and we’re planning to extend more directly into the lives of young officers just coming into law enforcement. A portion of the grant is to help us guide them in how to deal with the strange new police culture they have entered. Law enforcement changes not only their lives but the lives of those around them. For many the change is too great to handle, resulting in a high divorce rate, dependence on alcohol or drugs and closing themselves off from friends and family. We are beginning a pilot program to tackle this problem right here in Chattanooga . If it bears the fruit we are hoping for, we hope it can be extended to agencies elsewhere.
We close the book on 2009 reflecting on several significant accomplishments:
· A new Executive Director to work closely with the National Board in carrying out new initiatives in taking Christ to law enforcement personnel.
· New enlarged office space and computer software to handle our expanding needs.
· A heightened sense that “God is at work” through FCPO to help us accomplish our three-fold mission of:
o Reaching the lost in law enforcement (LE) with Christ’s gospel.
o Encouraging Christian law enforcement personnel to be bold in sharing their faith with fellow officers and those whose lives they impact, and
o Providing spiritual comfort and support to who are touched by the ministry.
Your prayers and gifts always make a world of difference for eternity. By responding favorably to this matching gift offer, each dollar you give now will be worth two. Please say “yes” and help us meet this exciting challenge. You can make your gift by going to our website at www.fcpo.org .
