Cops, 9-11 & God: TCLEM Newsletter

Fellow Sheepdogs and Supporters:

The 10th anniversary of 9-11 (what we now call Patriots Day) is past and our once-monthly foray to Calvary Chapel Aurora is once again upon us tonight. I’ll be teaching a short but thoroughly profession-relevant 9-11 Bible study along with an opportunity for you to share your own 9-11 “where were you” stories. We’ll also be sharing some ideas about both the direction of this ministry and the biblical essentials foundation) on which it is built. If you’re in the Denver area, please consider joining us at 7:00 PM in Room 138 (downstairs/café entrance – follow our signs). Directions to Calvary Aurora can be found at www.calvaryaurora.org.

As always, I’ll post a detailed recap for everyone else around the country/world that you can adapt and use for your own devotions and Bible studies. Stay tuned!
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MESSAGE RECAP: Cops and Depression – a Biblical Approach


That a great many peace officers and military combat personnel suffer from depression should not come as any big surprise. The sad fact is that depression is a leading contributor to police suicide and a host of other maladies.

I want to start by saying that while I both practice and encourage biblical (nouthetic -- www.compassionatecounselors.com/Statement.aspx) counseling and believe that God’s inerrant word supplies a real and viable solution to depression, I am not taking a position that the secular approach has no value. Rather, my position – and that of this ministry – is that God has THE answer if you will but seek it with your whole mind and heart. Moreover, I am not in any way saying that medicine (psychiatry as opposed to secular psychology) has no value. On the contrary, some (but not all) types of depression may stem from very real medical conditions that call for medical intervention. That aside, it is important to point out the very basis of secular psychology points to self while the biblical approach points us to Christ (No small difference this!). Where God is calling the Christian to turn is therefore clear.

The overall context of scripture presents numerous examples of depression and God’s solution for same. Moreover, it is vital that we point out that a great deal of depression (though not all) is a consequence of SIN and God most certainly has the solution for that. Beyond that, the following are thought to play a significant role in depression:

(1) Alcohol abuse (ETOH is a depressant – duh!).
(2) Drug abuse.
(3) Certain medical conditions including but not limited to thyroid issues, cancer, chronic pain, etc.
(4) Certain medication side-effects (including side-effects of some anti-depressants).
(5) Sleep (lack of, disorders).
(6) Stressful albeit common life events such as school problems, divorce (sin), death and/or illness of a loved one, childhood abuse/neglect, job issues/loss, financial issues (some of which may be sin-based), and the social isolation that is common in the law enforcement profession.

What does the Bible say about depression? For starters:

-- Proverbs 13:12

-- Proverbs 18:14

-- Job 7:6, 11


God’s word is also clear that Satan will most assuredly attempt to take advantage of our weaknesses. How do we combat his attacks? Ephesians 6:11-12, 2 Corinthians 2:7-11 and 1 Peter 5:6-9 provide part of the defense and solution. The Bible further reveals that David was no stranger to depression (Psalm 42 and 43) and his son Solomon writes in Proverbs 18:14 that A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

The Bible presents a plethora of examples of those who suffered from depression. Here are but two:

(1) Jeremiah – the “Weeping Prophet” (read Lamentations 3)

-- Jeremiah's mental state: Lamentations 3:14-20


-- God’s solution: Lamentations 3:21-26, 37-40 present the key -- God is in control and our hope is in Him and Him alone.

(2) Elijah: Discouragement (aka depression -- read 1 Kings 19)

-- Contrast Elijah’s discouragement (depression) in 1 Kings 19:4 with 2 Kings 2:9! It serves to remind us that when our focus is on ourselves (secular psychology) we can open the door for the enemy to come in with discouragement/depression. While we can identify with 1 Kings 19:4, God is calling us to to live in 2 Kings 2:9!

-- Discouragement/depression will affect our self-image (Proverbs 23:7). When our hearts and minds are focused on Jesus and not on ourselves, we will catch a glimpse of who we are in Christ – mighty men and women of God! Elijah was discouraged to the point of wanting to die which is just where Satan wanted him to be (and us with him). Turn your focus to faith of God and move from where you are to where He has called you to be.

-- Discouragement can tempt us to fear and run from our responsibilities:

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, ‘What doest thou here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 19:9 KJV). God is essentially saying, “Dude, what you are doing cowering here in fear when I am your salvation and hope?! Get out of there!”

Where should we turn when depressed/discouraged? God first always, then...

-- Each other (fellowship – “back up”): Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 27:10 in the NLT says in part “Never abandon a friend…”

Can God relate to our depression? You bet!

-- Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:2-3

-- Isaiah 53:3-4

-- Matthew 26:38-44 and Luke 22:41-44


What about depression caused by our past mistakes and sin? God promises to intervene if we would but repent and place our whole faith/trust in Him!

-- Psalm 32:1-5; Psalm 51:1-3, 7-10

-- Isaiah 41:10

Finally, what does God want your mind-set to be when you are in a difficult trial and in depression due to same?

-- James 1:2-4

-- 1 Corinthians 10:13

-- Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

-- 1 Peter 5:10

Christians also need to know that, when we are at our weakest and lowest, we are actually at our highest (2 Cor. 12:9–10)! We need the assurance that even in the midst of depression, our dear Lord is drawn to us in our pain (Isa. 57:15; 66:1–2; Ps. 34:17–18), is suffering along with us (Heb. 4:15; Isa. 63:7–11), and is working even our defeats and failures towards a blessed and eternal conclusion (Rom. 8:28; Phil. 1:6; John 6:37–40)!

Lastly, the essential here is that God’s solution to depression can only be had by repenting of our sins, seeking His forgiveness, and entering into a life-saving/life-changing personal relationship with God in Christ. Is that you? Have you given your life to Him? If not, do so now – tomorrow may be too late. Click on the Are you a True Christian links on the upper left side!

I also have links to Biblical Counseling (not “Christian counseling” which so often wrongly attempts to mix the secular with the spiritual) resources here on our website. Please take the time to consider God’s solution over “man’s.”

** If you want a copy of my complete study outline/notes, shoot me an email here or at fullarmor911@yahoo.com or thecenturionministry@yahoo.com.
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Courageous Update!

GMC TV will air an hour-long special -- “Behind the Scenes of COURAGEOUS” – on Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. eastern. Check it out! Also please plan on heading to the theaters on or soon after the opening date of September 30th! Every man needs to see this film – and that means we need your help to keep it running!

See also: Officer speaking about Courageous -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXfQi1ipDw0&feature=email


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Chattannooga PD Ofc. Jonathan Parker of Covered Law Enforcement has asked that we share his wife’s powerful testimony that was aired on CBN (no, I’m not endorsing CBN) this past Tuesday. Jonathan writes, “We welcome comments and prayer requests, and pray that God will continue to use this for His glory.”

www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/AS76v2_WS

For more see www.CoveredLawEnforcement.org and www.facebook.com/CoveredLawEnforcement

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TRAINING -- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman!

Tulsa PD Captain Travis Yates and Ten-Four Ministries have partnered with our friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman for a very unique faith-based presentation of his popular Bulletproof Mind Seminar in Tulsa, Oklahoma this coming October 14th. Go to www.warriormissions.org for more and to find out how you can bring this dynamic presentation to your area of the country or world.

Speaking of Ten-Four Ministries, Travis has recently re-designed his outstanding website – please take the time to check it out at www.tenfourministries.org. That site also has a link to the following from one of Travis’s recent teachings that I can’t recommend enough:

www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=626111529407.

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That’s it! Be safe out there, place your faith and hope in Christ, and don’t forget to check our website and Facebook pages (listed here -- scroll down left side) for the latest and greatest!