God's Calling on a Warrior's Life

Fellow Sheepdogs:

July is a supremely busy month for me but we continue to meet, pray and reach out to one another as brothers and sisters both in Christ and as fellow servant-warriors.

Accordingly, we had a great gathering last Thursday on the subject of Slaying the Giants. To recap, we explored the concept that as Christian officers, we are called by God to be modern-day knights -- Paladins – and that our Lord is calling us to STAND (Ephesians 6:13) and obey as He leads us against the “giants” (In addition to what we deal with as cops and military personnel, "giant" can include but is certainly not limited to trials, illness, relationship issues, poor leadership in our profession, stress, temptation, evil in general, etc.) we face on daily basis. Moreover, it is also clear that God has given us a unique provision of courage, that he has called us to the profession of arms (law enforcement, true military warriors, etc.), and that it is His will that we be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6) in the face of evil and the “sons of perdition” (destruction) that walk this earth: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 -- Don't let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy (rebellion) comes first and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, the son of perdition (destruction).

Our Lord is calling out a question to each of us: Who are you? Our answer should ring clear and without hesitation, “I am a mighty man of God and I am here to fight and resist evil wherever I find it.” God's word (the Bible) repeatedly directs us to emulate Jesus. He is the Lamb, but He is also the Lion. The Lord God is the King, coming to wreak vengeance on His enemies, but He is also the gentle Lamb, dying for His people. As Isaiah writes, Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him (LION). He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:10-11.

Secular "society" has "lambified” (hmm -- sheep) us to the point that we've forgotten the ferocity of the lion. We were born for battle -- the greatest battle history has ever known -- the battle between good and evil. The enemy wants us passive, secular and weak -- to shy away from the fierce lion God has placed in our hearts. That said, we must also remember that a major characteristic of God's Paladins -- the knight -- is HUMILITY. With that we must recognize that our true strength and skill come not from our own ability (as with Samson) but from God and God alone (as with Gideon and his “valiant 300”).

Gen. William Boykin -- speaking at the Epicenter 2008 conference in Israel hosted by Joel C. Rosenberg, said, One day, we're going to stand before the gates of Heaven. Some of us want to be able to walk up there in a white robe and we want to sing Abba Father and Amazing Grace and we want to say to the Lord, "I worshiped You." But I want you to think about this: Here’s the way I want to enter the gates of Heaven. I want to come skidding in there on all fours. I want to be slipping and sliding and I want to hit the gates of heaven with a bang. And when I stand up and I stand before Christ, I want there to be blood on my knees and my elbows. I want to be covered with mud. And I want to be standing there with a ragged breast plate of righteousness. And a spear in my hand. And I want to say, "Look at me, Jesus. I've been in the battle. I've been fighting for you." Ladies and gentlemen, put your armor on and get into battle.

Folks, the bottom line is this: God is calling us as His paladins to wake up to our Christian WARRIOR heritage and get into the fight!

That’s my exhortation to you as well -- there are giants out there in need of slaying!

Blessed by the Lord my rock who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1
The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name. Exodus 15:3

*Special thanks to both Christian Warrior Ministries and the book Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis.

PREVIEW of this week’s study:

Speaking of being “called,” this week’s (tomorrow) law enforcement-relevant Bible study continues the theme of seeking and receiving God’s CALL on our lives. Clearly, serving in our profession is (or should be) a calling. Inasmuch as our very authority as peace officers comes from God (Romans 13:1-7 and elsewhere in His word), we should be seeking His will in this and all other areas of our lives. Are you “called?” How can you know? Join us tomorrow and we’ll delve into what God has to say to us on the subject. As always, I’ll recap the study in next week’s e-newsletter for all those who can’t attend in person. Stay tuned!

With our locals and visitors in mind, I will be keeping this week’s study comparitively short in order to leave time for another round of TESTIMONY – what God has done/is doing in your life -- sharing. If interested, shoot me an email in advance if you can…and be available to be used by God!


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Please check back frequently for the latest announcements, meeting schedule and prayer requests (see posts below). I’ve also posted information on the upcoming benefits for wounded officers Chris Dewey in Minnesota and Max Faistenhammer in Michigan. Chris and Emily really need our continued prayers and we of course continue to visit with/pray for Max as he undergoes intensive rehab here at Craig Hospital in Englewood. Email me and/or attend a meeting if you want further info on visiting Max at Craig.

Speaking of prayer requests, SA Dexter Wells has sent out an urgent one for ATF Special Agent Will Clark. See http://www.fleoa.org/component/content/article/41-top-headlines/207-fleoa-demands-justice-for-hero-atf-sa-clark-63010.html for details. There but for the grace of God go we! Please lift Will in prayer. I’ve already added this to the latest (7/12) prayer request to the post below.

To quote my pastor (Pastor Sam Park), let’s “stay the course and finish strong” while doing battle with the "giants" in the land!