Time to get back at it after the Thanksgiving break during which I also took my first one-week “sabbatical” from the newsletter in some six years. I did however remain in “the fight” by teaching at last Tuesday’s service at my local church through which I asked the question (perhaps THE most important question), “Are you really saved?” If your answer in “yes,” do you have EVIDENCE to support it? Is there enough evidence to convict you for being a Christian? Please take the time to listen by going to https://public.me.com/sampark777, click on TND Messages and then Guest Speakers. Select the message beginning 03 11.22.11… and download.
In keeping with the theme, I also also strongly encourage you to listen to Pastor Sam Park’s current teachings through the Book of Revelation (again, you can listen to his previous TND messages at your leisure by going to https://public.me.com/sampark777) along with Gino Geraci’s message from November 20th that can be found at www.calvarycsd.org/sermons/mark-645-52-the-servants-assurance-in-the-storm/.
Speaking of profession and life-relevant messages, the Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry special event presentation given by best-selling author Jerry Jenkins is also available at the Calvary South Denver website: www.calvarycsd.org/sermons/guest-speaker-jerry-jenkins-life-as-the-son-of-a-cop/.
Tomorrow night (Thursday, December 1st) our own Jim Wattles will be sharing a cop-relevant Bible study he’s entitled “Picking Up Your Cross.” In addition, Matt Wallenburg is back from his military training and will be leading worship (always powerful and special)! Please join us for our unique brand of law enforcement fellowship, prayer and Bible study that we’ve dubbed “Cop Church.” Spouses are encouraged to attend and – just as importantly – we urge you to invite and bring a colleague. We start at 7 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (www.CalvaryCSD.org for directions). As always, I’ll post a recap of the study for your own use in next week’s newsletter and on our website.
Speaking of this website, I’ve posted the latest prayer requests, announcements (next post), meeting schedules ("eyes right") and more. Please check back frequently! The announcements this week include a special call for assistance from Commerce City PD Chief Phil Baca (strong believer) and the academy graduation announcement of our own Mike Carter!
Don’t forget that you can also find additional info on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fcpo.usa/?ref=notif¬if_t=group_activity#!/pages/The-Centurion-Law-Enforcement-Ministry-FCPO-Denver/165229383527705?sk=wall. You’ll find a link to my personal page there as well (note that my sole purpose of using FB is ministry and law enforcement communication).
Below you will find the RECAP of my annual Thanksgiving message (A Cop’s Thanksgiving) from our last regular meeting. Special thanks to Chaplain Dave Purdle (Ministry 9-1-1 in Michigan) for allowing me incorporate some of his material into my message.
Message RECAP: A Cop’s Thanksgiving
Given our current economic woes, a lack of servant-leadership both in our profession and government in general, storms, trials, tribulations and other "last days" issues, what do we have to be thankful for? In 1621, the Pilgrims celebrating the first Thanksgiving in the new world asked that same question: they lost over half their number in their first winter to disease and starvation. Yet in spite of all, they still turned to God to give thanks to Him for His many blessings. In short, they had a heavenly mindset instead of an earthly one. Those believers had come to a new land where they could read their Bibles, pray, worship, and raise their families in freedom – a foundation we still celebrate nearly 400 years later. Unlike the President's 2011 Thanksgiving Proclamation where he completely left out God
(1) Our thanksgiving should be constant and for everything: I Thessalonians 5:18 says,“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Thanks in prosperity, in adversity (Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” ) and in times of doubt (Isaiah 30:21 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left”.
(2) Our thanksgiving must be discerning (Philippians 3:14).
(3) Our thanksgiving must be vocal (Psalm 107:1-2)
Beyond this, consider the lessons of Psalm 9:1-2. We are given amazing promises – gifts if you will – when we place our trust in Jesus. Recalling these promises and blessings is a good way to maintain a thankful heart, even when facing challenges in other areas. Consider just the following:
(1) Christ's gift of salvation: No matter what trial we're facing, it is microscopic next to the enormity of our Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf. The cross was a huge price to pay, but the Savior willingly took our place there in order to offer us true freedom, forgiveness and eternal life.
(2) Assurance of God's love: The Lord loves and cares for us unconditionally in keeping with His very character (1 John 4:16). While the storms of life can cause us to question this, Romans 8:31-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love.
(3) Answered prayer: As born again believers we have the awesome freedom and privilege of being able to talk (pray) directly to the Father about anything burdening us. God never grows tired of listening to His children and He is able to help and direct us in any situation and in the best possible way.
(4) A personalized plan: The Lord has a perfect plan and purpose for our lives that He will accomplish if we will but trust, obey and follow Him. While no one is exempt from adversity, we can trust God to bring good from everything He permits to come our way.
Hardships, temptations, and tests will touch us all, but the Lord allows difficulty for a reason (even when we don't understand why -- Romans 8:28). Let us therefore submit ourselves to the Father, thank Him for His wisdom, and be confident that He will accomplish His purposes in and through us.
Finally, we who serve/have served in our unique, God-ordained profession (Romans 13:1-4) have something even more we can be thankful for – the unique privilege of serving and protecting others so that they can enjoy in safety and freedom the abundance of blessings our Lord has given us. Let’s stay the course!
That’s a wrap for this week. Be safe but bold in Christ!
