This week’s newsletter has taken on a life of its own so please be patient and read it through.
Right off (for our locals and visitors), don’t forget that there is NO STUDY tomorrow (Thursday, 2/4) as my family is taking me out to celebrate something called a “birthday”
Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 11th. We’re also planning to meet on the 18th and 25th but please back here along with any forthcoming newsletters and announcements for further details and updates.
ON LEADERSHIP:
We had a great turnout at our last meeting as we are now fully into our new series on Christian leadership as it applies to the law enforcement profession (and to life in general, for that matter). This past week we looked at the “Confidence of Gideon” (see Judges 6:11 - 8:35) from Col. Ray Fairman’s outstanding work, “A Biblical Examination of Leadership.” For all who missed and/or are living outside the Denver metro area, please refer to http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=9 for complete details. The gist? Gideon’s story is literally one from “reluctance to confidence.” God’s Word gives us clear direction that HIS kind of leader is one who displays confidence, self assurance, professional competence, the ability to be a “part of the team” while leading it, and strong communication skills. In Gideon we also see a man who displays stable moral and ethical character. Finally, Gideon was also willing to TRUST God to fight the battle for him – and humble and obedient enough to follow the ultimate leader. Let’s ask God to make us into modern-day “Gideons” in our homes and on “the job.”
At our next meeting (2/11), we’ll explore the powerful leadership qualities displayed by the prophet Samuel – a lion who possessed what Fairman calls “The Trait of Compassionate Credibility.” Stay tuned!
ON GOVERNMENT & CITIZENSHIP:
Speaking of godly leadership (or the lack of it), I'll assume most already know that, like most Christians who strive to live biblically, I’m none-too-fond of our current leadership in Washington. That said, I’ve also been convicted of a few things of late that I need to pass-on to my fellow sheepdogs when it comes to how we should respond to our government leaders. When Paul wrote our signature passage in Romans (13:1-7), the emperor Nero was in power – a despot who took great delight in torturing and killing scores of Christians in the most horrendous of ways. So did God place Nero in a position of authority? The answer is a resounding “yes.” However, just a God gives us the free choice to turn from sin, obet and lead biblically, He also gave Nero – and vis-a-vie, our current president, the same opportunity. That said, the real issue here for us as Christians is not so much the destruction of this country but rather where our true citizenship lies. The answer for us is clear: a born again Christian who happens to be born in this nation is no more a “citizen” of the U.S. than Paul was a “citizen” of Rome after his conversion. Rather, God declares that we are made citizens of heaven by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In short, we are aliens “occupying” this land until God takes us HOME. Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20 "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
My rancor about what is happening to this country stems from holding onto something that Christ has told us to release. Instead, He wants us to focus on His Kingdom, not man's. We are instructed to render unto man what is man’s while giving God what is His. Further, we are instructed to pray for our leaders (yes, including our president) so that we can have the freedom to add to His Kingdom.
That said, we should in fact pray for this wicked (yes, it has become wicked) nation in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 -- If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. As Christian cops, we should most certainly continue striving to serve and protect our communities and take miscreants, scofflaws, "wolves," etc. off the streets. Just remember that for us as believers, we should perhaps view our mission as something akin to a heavenly "UN" force.
On the one hand, I understand the concept of being an “alien” here even if it is arduous -- I am true American patriot -- to live it out practically. However, the Bible clearly reveals that God consistently protected His people as they focused on building His kingdom in the midst of some of the most repressive human governments in history. What the Holy Spirit has revealed to me by our president and current liberal/socialist majority is that we really have not trusted God to protect us from the “machinations of governments.” Accordingly, we must repent and and ask our Lord to give us the grace to depend completely on Him. Pray for our country? Absolutely! Just understand that we are simply occupiers. As Joshua said when confronted with this very issue, “…as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Finally, as hard as it may be, we need to step-up and show true leadership when dealing with all the negative emails, jokes, etc. about our current president, Speaker Pelosi, and others. We don’t have to agree or even like them, but lets show the same respect we would like from the public we serve. Again, “render unto Caesar…” while always standing in the gap for what is right.
TRAINING/Officer Safety:
(1) Denver PD Academy instructor/Sgt. Jim Mair sent the following (see link below): The video is very difficult to watch and hear but we MUST do so. Bottom line is that, in the opinion of many of us who instruct and teach, this officer may very well have been at least partially a victim of the insane “PC” garbage that has infiltrated our training and profession. Notice the weapon the suspect used to murder our brother -- an old military M-1 carbine that fires what is essentially a .30 cal. “pistol” round but with body armor penetrating velocity and greater range. Watch and learn!
http://www.ignatius-piazza-front-sight.com/2010/01/18/ignatius-piazza-stop-screaming-start-shooting/#vide.
(2) The Metro Area Graffiti Task Force is hosting the 3rd annual Denver Gang Summit this coming April 19-20 in Highlands Ranch, CO. Go to http://www.magtfdenver.org/ or email our own Jason Pearson at jason@magtfdenver.org for more details.
PRAYER REQUESTS (please take a moment to read and pray for these folks and issues):
(1) Ofc. Brian Cain, who recently answered the call to start a law enforcement outreach in Georgia (see the new link on our website to Code 4 Ministries), asks that we pray for a sergeant who is “on the verge of accepting Christ” and for direction and clarity for his ministry.
(2) Inv. Jimmy Wattles (of Gangland fame), writes,
(a) “Please pray for Diane Roy, wife of retired Denver PD Detective Ed Roy. Diane suffered a brain aneurysm recently and is still undergoing extensive critical care at University Hospital in Denver.
(b) Please pray for a State Investigator who has been undergoing a battery of tests for serious medical issues. Still waiting for results and answers to what is wrong.
(c) Please pray for another State Investigator, who is trying to recover from serious injuries incurred during a late summer boating accident. He keeps having setbacks, has used all his sick/vacation time and may now have even further problems which may put him on short term disability and possibly not being able to return to work.
(3) Emily Dewey, wife of wounded Mahnomen County (MN) Dep. Chris Dewey, writes, “Chris has been moved over to a suite in the East building of Craig. This is a much larger room where I can sleep on the couch at night. Because I didn’t have any clothes or toiletries, I decided to wait until tomorrow to sleep over there. I’m also a little concerned that I won’t be able to sleep well, as I already rarely sleep well at night, but I am more than willing to try! If anyone has any ideas for celebrating Chris’ 27th birthday on the 9th I would love to hear them. Neither of us has ever been big on birthdays, but I need to do something. I’m thinking about going to a movie; something low-key that we would have done ordinarily to celebrate his birthday. As always, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I’m suffering from a bit of care-giver fatigue right now, so any prayers on that note would be especially appreciated.
See http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates!
(4) EPD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for surgery on Monday to deal with a line-of-duty injury. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(5) Pray for South Carolina Dep. Jeff DeGrow who is recovering from gunshot wounds. Check out this brother’s outstanding testimony at his news conference (click on the link and then the video): http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/132241-sc-deputy-shot-6-times-says-surviving-a-miracle).
(6) Pray for our Phoenix PD brothers and sisters who are facing up to 500 layoffs.
(7) Jefferson County (CO) Dep. Art Peterson, for whom we’ve been praying since he was nearly killed in the line of duty last year, sent the following: I am the auto theft task force detective that was involved in a shooting and was nearly killed on August 19, 2009. I have been meaning to send this to you but have been so busy with therapy and doctor appointments that it has taken awhile. I wanted to thank you for coming to see me in the hospital. I wanted to tell you that since the critical incident, I am a born again Christian. I have taken a profession of faith through the pastor of my church. I realize that God not only saved my life but prevented me from being paralyzed. Some of the witnesses to the incident who saw me underneath the truck being dragged, told detectives that they had just witnessed a murder, of course that being me. I am not sure yet why God chose to save me from death or being paralyzed, but I do know he has a plan for me on this earth. I wanted to ask you a huge favor. My wife has been diagnosed with cancer about a month ago, in the lungs. She had breast cancer twice before about 10 years ago, and they think that it may be from that. She has never smoked. Please pray for my wife as I do know prayer is very strong and important. Thank you so much in advance.
Let’s do just that folks! That Art is alive to send this is most certainly a miraculous answer to prayer. God can do the same for his bride in accordance with His will.
(8) Please be in prayer for two of our Western Slope colleagues, one of whom is battling cancer while the other is in a lot of pain recovering from a training injury.
(9) PRAISE REPORT! The City of Grand Junction has selected Interim Chief John Camper, a Lakewood (CO) PD commander, as their new Chief. This is truly an answer to prayer (see previously posts on the subject). Would that all chiefs display the kind of leadership John has. See http://www.gjfreepress.com/article/20100203/COMMUNITY_NEWS/100209964/1001&parentprofile=1059.
(10) Finally, Sgt. Candace Mullin with Lone Tree PD forwarded this request from Emerson Brown concerning a military sheepdog who was wounded while fighting for our country in Afghanistan:
Until two days before Christmas, Ray Mackey was the Sgt Major of the 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines. The Rank of Sgt. Major (E9) is the highest rank that can be achieved by an Enlisted Marine. On December 23, Sgt Major Mackey was critically injured by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan . He lost both legs above the knee, 90% of his hearing in both ears, and sustained serious burns on his right arm. Two members of his unit, a Medic and Sgt Chris Hrbek, were credited with saving his life, and were awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, for heroism in combat. Two weeks ago, Sgt Hrbek was killed by an IED. His Bronze Star was awarded at his funeral in NJ on Saturday. Sgt Major Mackey received the Purple Heart from the Commandant of the Marine Corp, a Four Star General, on the same day as Sgt Hrbek's funeral. His goal is to greet the Battalion upon their return to Camp LeJeune , NC , in June. Our daughter, Lisa Finley, visited Sgt Major Mackey and his wife, Vickki, at Bethesda Naval Hospital last weekend. Vickki indicated that the Sgt Major loves to receive cards, and they are taped on the wall for him to see. Since Tuesday, Feb 2, is his Birthday, Lisa is asking that we send a Birthday Card, Get Well Card, or a note of appreciation for his service to our Country. I think both you and Sgt Major Mackey will feel rewarded for having done this. Please accept my sincere thanks for all the support you have given our Military and their families. I am requesting that you send a card, or note, to Sgt Major Ray Mackey (USMC) at the following address:
National Naval Medical Center
Attn: Sgt Major Ray Mackey
8901 Rockville Pike
Building 10 5E Bethesda, MD 20889-5600
Until next week...
