A Warrior's Full Measure of Service

Fellow Officers and Supporters:

This has been yet another difficult week for all of us serving in our God-ordained “sheepdog” first responder professions (law enforcement, military, firefighters, etc.). In addition to those paying the ultimate price preserving our freedoms via the War on Terror, as of today we’re up to fifty-four (54) LEOs killed in the line of duty so far in 2011. As I write this, a critically injured officer in California is fighting for his life (please pray), career-ending injuries are occurring on a daily basis, at least one officer a day will take his own life, and we continue to deal with those who either don’t know or have conveniently forgotten that our authority comes from God and as such demands a higher standard.

One has but to peruse the many news stories around the country that appear both locally and on such LE websites as www.PoliceOne.com and www.PoliceLink.com. Our current litany of tragic “Keystone Cop” antics include but are by no means limited to a police chief attacking officers in an adjoining jurisdiction in Pennsylvania, a group of officers sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman in Chicago, officers being involved in child pornography and sexual abuse of underage kids, and (sadly) much, much more. This does not even include our abhorrent record of divorce, suicide, sex outside of biblical marriage, alcholism, etc. Thankfully, these events represent a very small percentage in light of the overwhelming amount of "good" we are doing.

That said, what is the the common denominator here? One word folks: SIN! Despite the bill of goods false teachers like Rob Bell (see below) will try to sell you, sin is real – as is the just consequence of spending eternity in hell (a very real place) for those who elect to not repent and turn to the ONLY One who can save them from that fate -- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So what is the solution? This ministry exists to help show officers that the ONLY way to true hope, peace, forgiveness and purpose is through a life-changing/life-saving personal relationship (not “religion") with the Jesus Christ – the greatest warrior (Exodus 15:3, Psalm 24:8, Jeremiah 20:11) of all time. Moreover, we seek to answer God’s call to be the true servant-leaders that are so desperately needed both at home (fathers, husbands) and within our profession. With that…


Profession-Relevant/Tactical Bible Study RECAP:

We had a great turnout last Thursday for an awesome time of fellowship, worship (Matt Wallenburg is a true blessing!), celebration of the Lord’s Supper (aka Communion) and “tactical” Bible study. I called my message “The Full Measure of Servanthood.” Here’s the recap:

In his famous Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln wrote,

“…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…”

The phrase “last full measure” refers to giving one’s ALL in sacrificial service to others. Christ set the example for us in giving His "last full measure" for us on the cross. Biblically speaking, Luke 6:30-38 and Mark 10:42-45 provide us with sound, godly insight into this topic. Ed Taylor, Pastor of Calvary Aurora in Aurora, Colorado, serves as a great example of what it means to be a true biblical servant. Speaking on the subject, Ed wrote,

If you want to be great in God’s Kingdom, you must be the servant of all. There is no other way to grow in the grace of Jesus. Jesus’ style and ministry example has always been, and always will be, the example of a servant. He’s taught us that the way up is down! We not only want to serve one another, but we want to reach a lost and dying world!

It’s hard to be offended when your heart is to serve. It’s difficult to have a hardened heart when we are serving. It’s hard for the enemy to get a foothold in a home, a church, or a ministry (I would add the law enforcement profession to that list) filled with servants!

When asked by a staff member why there were no names or titles on their office doors, Ed reportedly replied that he would be happy to provide them with a name and title -- the single word, "Servant."

Brothers and sisters “of the sword,” through our biblical service God can change the face of our profession – and visavie the society we serve and protect through it, by adopting this biblical, Christ-centered model of humility and servanthood. That’s what our Sovereign Lord is calling us to do – to be true Christian “servants of all” both at home and on “the job.” Moreover, we must understand that there is NO WAY we can reach this goal on our own. Rather, it is only through the grace of God that we can achieve it. Turn to Him today, repent and ask Jesus to forgive your sin and be your Lord and Savior (what it means to be "saved"). Then ask our one true Captain to help you become the true servant/servant-leader He has called you to be. We can then stand amazed at what our Lord will for our country and profession through truly redeemed and humble servants who will lead and serve biblically.

Finally, please know that a big part of my own call to ministry is serving YOU – my fellow law enforcement officers, spouses and supporters about whom The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry is about. Know that I will always strive to do just that – so help me God!


Locals: This is your final reminder that there is no study this week as I’ll be serving with Tulsa PD Captain and Ten-Four Ministries (www.tenfourministries.org) Director Travis Yates and my friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman in Oklahoma on Thursday followed by the Tuesday Night Dialogue Retreat in Estes Park (CO) this weekend. However, I’ll have a full report about these events along with a corresponding biblical, profession-relevant message in next week’s newsletter. In addition, check the website for news about a very special upcoming teaching by our own Jim Wattles (a law enforcement legend and relatively new convert to Christ). Stay tuned!


PRAYER REQUESTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & Denver-area MEETING SCHEDULE…

…have been posted below (following post) and are updated on a near-daily basis. Please review and of course join us in going to God over our ever-growing list of pressing needs.



FALSE TEACHING ALERT!

Rob Bell, the “pastor” of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, has written a new book that is unfortunately getting a great deal of attention. Love Wins is consistent with his other false “Emergent Church” teachings and I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the “intel” on this latest tactic of the enemy:

(1) http://4simpsons.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/rob-bell-false-teacher/

(2) http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/03/16/we-have-seen-all-this-before-rob-bell-and-the-reemergence-of-liberal-theology/

That’s it for this week folks. Be safe and in the fight with Christ as our Captain!