Standing Tough in Tough Times

Once again, this week's Centurion LE Ministry/FCPO newsletter and devotional/Bible study has gone out to our e-subscribers (FREE) but here it is again for those who missed it or are just using this resource as a way to view it: Standing Tough in Tough Times. Perhaps more important than my own message, I hightly recommend the video messages from my pastor (Ed Taylor -- a cop's dad -- of Calvary Aurora) and the late David Wilkerson. As always, it is chock full of prayer requests, announcements, resources and more. Read, heed, apply, and then pass it on.

Blessings!

MC

A Cop's Strength and Power

We're having some significant issues with our email service provider (Constant Contact) today which means that only about half of you have received this week's e-newsletter and Bible study. However, here it is in this format: "A Cop's Strength & Power". What (or who) is the source of your strength? Who gets the glory?

Also as posted in the newsletter, most of you know that I serve as the National VP of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers and our Executive Director, Lamar Moore, has fallen seriously ill and we covet your prayers for Lamar and his family.

Finally, we're looking forward to hearing from retired Ft. Collins PD officer and Army Major Mike Swihart this Thursday at Calvary Chapel Aurora (again, check the newsletter for details).

Don't forget to pass on our newsletters/devotionals to others -- a great way to help fulfill our Great Commission mandate.

MC



Police Det. Lt. and Chaplain Michael "MC" Williams

Cops Supporting Cops: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter for Week of October 14, 2012

This week's newsletter has once again gone out to our subscribers but is posted here as well (just click on the newsletter's subscribe button):  Cops Supporting Cops: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter.   This week's edition includes a message from our FCPO home office in Chattanooga, a great Bible study recap from Jim Wattles' message last Thursday, a Christian voting guide and much more!   Take the time to read it, click on the links and resources, and then pass it on.  

If you're visiting or living here locally, don't forget to go "eyes left" to the updated meeting schedule and note that we're now meeting twice a month at both Calvary South Denver and Calvary Aurora (and NO, you don't have to attend a Calvary Chapel church to come and enjoy our meetings/fellowship -- Calvary just happens to be my church and they've partnered with us in giving us a place to meet). 

Finally, don't forget to check us out on Facebook (note -- this is primarily a ministry and communication tool only). 

Stay the course!

MC

A Cop's Strength: The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO Newsletter

This week's newsletter has gone out to all those on the e-newsletter list.  Here it is again for all who missed it or have not yet signed up (or simply want to read or pass it on again):  http://conta.cc/R2xXsV.   The newsletter includes my recap of the message I gave at the FCPO National Conference and again here in Denver last week on Servant-Leadership in Law Enforcment and Life.   Feel free to use/adapt and pass it on to others.  The recap also includes a link to the message series on servanthood delivered by Pastor Ed Taylor of Calvary Chapel Aurora (part 1 of a six-part series) -- highly recommended to all! 

Speaking of Calvary AURORA, starting this Thursday (October 11th) we begin our new 2x/month foray to Aurora for Bible study, prayer and iron sharpens iron fellowship.  Jim Wattles will be teaching a message he's entitled "Cast your Strength Upon the Lord" (or simply, "A Cop's Strength").  We start at 7 PM in the big Agape Room just past the book store.  Bring your spouse, invite a colleauge and join us!

Finally, I ask that you keep a dear friend, chief and fellow FCPO board member in prayer today as he undergoes surgery to repair vertebra in his neck. 

Let's exercise sound officer safety while at the same time throwing it to the wind in terms of sharing the love and plan of Christ with our own in His ordained profession (Romans 13:1-7) of law enforcement. 

MC

A Cop's Legacy: TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter for Week of July 15th

I got home late from a busy special event weekend in Fairplay that included an extra-strong dose of "drunk and disorderly" miscreant activity.  Praise God, no one was seriously injured and I'm back in the fight.  This week's newsletter is up (albeit with some minor corrections from the first version sent out to our email subscribers).  Sign up if you're not already on the list!  Otherwise, here you go: A Cop's Legacy.

Don't forget that this week's newsletter includes Chaplain Jimmy Wattles' recap from the message he shared with us last Thursday.  In addition, I've included a host of new links, resources, news and announcements both in the newsletter and here on our website. 

This week I'll be teaching for Pastor Sam Park at the Tuesday Night TRUTH (TNT) service at Calvary Chapel South Denver starting at 7 PM tomorrow AND at our Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship this Thursday (7/19/2012) at Calvary Chapel Aurora  starting at 7 PM in Room 138/139 (behind the cafe).   Join us if you're in the area.  If not, then stay tuned for next week's newsletter that will include my recap and a link to the audio file of my TNT message. 

Let's stay the course in Christ!

MC

Cops Pounding Nails: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter for Week of April 1, 2012

This week I'm sharing the recap of Part 2 of Denver PD Officer Rob Parks' presentation at our March 22nd "Cop Church" fellowship. I've entitled it "Cops and Marital Communication 101" (from God's perspective, of course). Scroll down for more.

In addition, we're back "in the fight" for our Thursday, April 5th fellowship meeting where I'll share my annual (but always different) warrior-relevant Easter message that I've entitled, "Cops Pounding Nails" (Yes "Virginia," law enforcement/military officers played major roles in Christ's arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection). We start at 7 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (not sure which room yet -- just follow the signs).

I'll of course include a detailed recap and perhaps even an audio file in next week's newsletter for our readers all over the US, Canada and the world to use, apply and pass-on to your fellow law enforcement and military colleagues.

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Cops and "Marital Communication 101" -- from God's Perspective

As part of their message to us at our March 22nd "cop church" fellowship, Officer Rob Parks and his bride Angela shared the following based on Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 (Rob recommends reading those chapters in their entirety). Entitled Talk the Talk: Genuine Communication and Countering the Culture of the "Ball and Chain", this part of their message centered around two major issues in marital communication:

(1) How we (cops and anyone else for that matter) communicate WITH our spouse.
(2) How we communicate ABOUT our spouse.

In speaking on communication, the Parks used a lego piece from their kids' extensive collection and pointed out how every harsh word WITH our spouses adds a proverbial lego piece to the point that we've built entire walls between us. Rob also presented a few short rules aimed at keeping the lego pieces (and "keeping the peace") to a minimum:

(1) No harsh talk between spouses.
(2) No talk of divorce -- EVER (not even joking -- and it is not an option for Christian couples).

Rob further pointed out that we cannot discuss marital issues without considering the kids -- "...they are an inextricable part of life." (now I'll have to find a way to use "inextricable" in a police report :). Moreover, Rob stated that our kids will "learn to treat their future wives by how you treat mommy" and that we routinely wound our children with our choice of words. In addition, Rob shared the following two quotes from Paul Lewis and Frederick Douglass, respectively: "A father's words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house." "It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men."

In terms of communicating ABOUT our spouses, Rob used the "ball and chain" expression as an example of what NOT to do in front of our peers (especially within the law enforcement "culture of cool") and that "trash talking" about them is representative of a lack of character (foundational beliefs) while adding yet another "lego" to the proverbial "wall."

Rob and Angela concluded by asking a number of thought and prayer provoking questions, including but not limited to:

(1) When we are with our spouses, are we really listening or just waiting for our turn to speak?
(2) Do we admit when we are wrong? Do we both forgive and ask forgiveness? Are we willing to change our behavior (God can and will give us the power to do so)?
(3) Have or will you genuinely ask your spouse if there are any "lego" pieces that need to be addressed (removed) in your marriage? What "walls" need to be torn down?
(4) How do you talk about your spouse in front of others? What kind of witness are you presenting when you talk about your spouse/marriage? Are you developing any self-fulfilling prophesies based on how you view, think or talk about your spouse?

The bottom line is that God has a plan for successful marriage. Are you seeking and following it? If not, seek His forgiveness and ask Him to help you be the loving spouse and parent He has called you to be (and know that we're here to help).

We're looking forward to having Rob and Angela back again soon.

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National News, Prayer Requests & Announcements...


...are posted on this website and updated regularly. This newsletter was also re-posted on our Facebook pages (don't forget to "LIKE" and share with us there). That said, here are just a few more pressing announcements:

(1) If you've not yet signed up for the Sgt. John Baker Golf Classic (a Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers national charity event) in Chattanooga (TN), let me again encourage you to do so. Yes, I know what my friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman says about golf (I concur) but this is a tremendous op to both have some fun and at the same time support our national outreach to law enforcement personnel and their families.

(2) WEST COAST NEWS: Greg Laurie' s church in CA has started a new outreach to law enforcement that saw some 75 first responders come for their first meeting -- including 7 who recommited their lives to Christ! I've posted a link to the Badges Ministry here on our website (left side under "Additional Christian Law Enforcement Sites...") and/or simply click here on Badges Ministry.


(4) Georgia State Trooper-turned-minister Brian Stewart of

Simple Message Ministries (LEOsforHIM) and his "Daily Armor for Cops" email devotions sends the following reference a special cruise for LEOs and their spouses. He writes,

"Its time you took a break! Bring your spouse and join us for a cruise to the Bahamas departing from Cape Canaveral FL August 17th - 19th, 2012. We will be aboard the "Monarch of the Seas" and ports of call will include Nassau and Cococay. The movie Courageous will be shown the first night and I will follow that up the next morning with a 2-3 hour teaching session on being the man God designed us to be in the home. The cost is only $379 per person which is strictly for the cost of the cruise (no money goes to our ministry). Book your cabin today. For more information contact us at 478-256-2497 or via email: info@reachingcops.com. "
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DENVER AREA NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS


(1) The 2012 Truth Retreat is set for April 13-14 in Estes Park, CO. Quite a few of those involved our Thursday TCLEM/FCPO-Denver fellowship also attend the warrior-relevant TRUTH service at Calvary South Denver on Tuesday nights and our annual retreat is a "game changer" (life-changing event) to say the least. We may still have a few spots left -- contact me for details --but hurry as payment is due by this coming Sunday (April 8th).

(2) Calvary Chapel Aurora News:

If you've not been to "church" in a long time (or ever) and you're in the Denver area, I can't recommend Pastor Ed Taylor and Calvary Aurora enough. They will be having a plethora of Easter events (Good Friday service, two Saturday services, and three on Easter Sunday). They are also hosting a marriage ministry, a marriage retreat in May and a "Men of Courage" retreat (from the movie Courageous) in June. Most importantly, Ed has a heart for leading the lost to Christ and offers that opportunity at EVERY service. For more click on Calvary Chapel Aurora.

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Time to go "10-8" again and Run to the Battle. Let's continue to stay battle focused and fully engaged in "the fight" while at the same time always training hard and exercising solid offficer safety in the field.

Please feel free to CONTACT me if I can be of service.


Det. Sgt. & Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Vice President, Fellowship of Christiain Peace Officers - USA

A Warrior's Destiny & Legacy

With National Police Week coming to a close, this is a great time to talk about what God has to say about our DESTINY and LEGACY as servant-leaders, husbands, fathers and warriors. That will be the topic of this Friday’s profession-relevant, tactical Bible study and fellowship meeting at Calvary Chapel Aurora. If you’re in the Denver-Metro area, we hope you will join us (see below for more details). Regardless, this ministry is very much a national and international one so I’ll post my usual RECAP in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!

Speaking of Police Week, I’m interested in hearing feedback and receiving pics from those who were able to attend our events in DC this year. Shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com if you want to share.

My friend and fellow law enforcement ministry leader, Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates of Ten-Four Ministries (www.tenfourministries.org), has been in Washington and recorded a short (5 minutes) message that is absolutely on target as it relates to officers and where we will spend eternity. Travis very much shares my own sense of urgency about sharing the truth of the gospel with our fellow warriors. As such, I urge you to take a few minutes to watch and listen: http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2011/05/mans-greatest-problem.html.

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MESSAGE RECAP

Last week’s study again centered on servant-leadership in law enforcement. Here’s the recap that you can adapt to your own studies:

As I prepared for this study, my time in God’s inerrant word (the Bible) again revealed that law enforcement leaders are in fact called to many of the same requirements as pastors. Speaking about pastors and leadership, Calvary Chapel Aurora Pastor Ed Taylor recently said that God never intended church leaders to be just teachers but rather that they are to be true pastors -- shepherds -- who will go out of their way to care for the “flock” entrusted to them. Just as there are sadly way too many "pastors" who are content to teach rather than lead and shepherd their flock, my biblically based belief is that the same sin issue is epidemic in law enforcement and the military (and has the same biblical solution).

Our primary text came was Philippians 2:19-24 where we see an imprisoned Paul commending his protégé Timothy to the Philippian fellowship ("church") of believers. The passage reveals that if we are truly focused on the interests of Jesus Christ then we will be better able to focus on the needs of others. If we know (*personal relationship) Whom we serve, we can better understand and appreciate that God has granted us positions of influence and power to truly serve and protect His people. Moreover, the text reveals that we’ve been called to lead with God’s kingdom in mind rather than only thinking about our own welfare, position and power. In fact, the Bible uses Greek word diakonos -- deacon -- means "servant" and has direct application to us both in law enforcement and in the church (see 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

In Luke 22, Jesus says, I am among you as one who serves. Understand that the leadership, authority and influence we have as cops is ordained and conferred on us by God (see also Romans 13:1-7) for the benefit of others.

So what are the qualities and disciplines of a godly servant-leader (peace officer)? The following are key elements of abiding in Christ (John 15) and must be seen as being progressive in nature:

Servant Leadership - Humility

A key characteristic and focus of servant leadership is humility. Why? Because, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Humility is also the belief that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Servant Leadership - Seeking Him First

The beginning point for "abiding in Him" is seeking Him first in all things. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) vividly demonstrates this principle: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Servant Leadership - Loving Him Through Obedience

The next discipline of servant leadership -- "abiding in Him" -- is loving Him. The Bible makes it clear that our love for God is demonstrated by our obedience (John 14:15, 23-24; John 15:10; 1 John 5:3, etc.). If we are to be Christ-led, we must be willing to obey regardless of the cost. Obedience consists of three components: (1) timeliness (act or speak when the Lord indicates, not before and not after); (2) fullness (partial obedience is disobedience -- sin); and (3) joyfulness (not grumbling, complaining, whining, etc.).

Servant Leadership - Serving Him In All We Do

Jesus established this biblical principle with his twelve apostles in response to their concern about who would be the greatest -- He explained that the greatest must be a servant of all (Matthew 23:11). For the Christian officer, this means that as we serve the people in our care, we are also serving Jesus Himself.

Servant Leadership - Exalting Him Above All Else

Servant leadership is leading for His glory and not our own. Paul exhorts us, Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Jesus instructs us to shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify the Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Servant Leadership - A Requirement of Accountability

Servant leadership requires accountability. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul explains how the Body of Christ matures when its members "speak the truth in love" to one another. Then, in the next chapter, Paul exhorts us to be imitators of God by walking in love, putting aside immorality, learning what is pleasing to the Lord, being careful how we walk, understanding the Lord, and giving thanks for all things. He closes the final (6th) chapter of Ephesians with a key for doing this: "be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." In other words, each of us has the responsibility to: (a) "walk in the light" (be vulnerable and keep nothing hidden in darkness); (b) be held accountable for our walk with Christ; and (c) hold others accountable to their walk with the Lord. In short, we should walk openly, speak the truth humbly in love, and eagerly receive that love. Thus, to practice the discipline of accountability, a Christian officer is COMMANDED to be in active fellowship with others. See also 1 John 1:7; Proverbs 27:6, 9; 1 John 1:9.


Please take the time to take this study to heart and put its principles into practice – and then watch what God will do through you to change our profession and the society we serve.
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PRAYER REQUESTS:

Prayer requests continue to come in and I urge you to go to scroll down here on our website and join us in praying for these pressing needs. I update them almost daily -- check back frequently.
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DENVER-AREA NEWS & ANNOUCEMENTS:

** Our local MEETING SCHEDULE(s) is posted here on our website (scroll down) and updated regularly. Again, don’t forget that we are NOT meeting this Thursday at Calvary South Denver in Littleton but rather at Calvary Chapel Aurora (www.calvaryaurora.org) on Friday, May 20th starting at 7 PM in Room 144. Pass the word!

** Recent events are causing many to reflect on their destination after this life ends and when/if Jesus will return for His own. Accordingly, I want to point “locals” to two great studies getting started on the Book of Revelation:

(1) Pastor Ed Taylor at Calvary Chapel Aurora is teaching through Revelation (There is NO “s” in Revelation!!) on Wednesday evenings staring at 7 PM. See www.CalvaryAurora.org for details.

(2) Pastor Sam Park at Calvary South Denver will start through Revelation at our unique, warrior-relevant Tuesday Night Dialogue (TND) services beginning next Tuesday at 7 PM. Many of our Centurion Ministry regulars attend TND as well. We also serve dinner right after the service (free to first-timers). See www.CalvaryCSD.org for details.

Yes folks – I’m actually trying to get you into a church (fellowship and relationship, not “religion”) where God’s word is taught in Spirit and truth. Moreover, I promise that you will not spontaneously combust when you walk through the doors! Bottom line is that ANY day(s) of the week can be your “Sabbath” – just come (bring the spouse and kids) and be in fellowship.


** TOP GUN POLICE MOTOR OFFICERS COMPETITION!

The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO-Denver will be a sponsor at the 2011 Top Gun Police Motor Officers Competition (www.topguncops.com) on Sunday, June 5th in Lakewood. Stop by our booth and say hello – and I’ll have our “retired” Aurora PD motor on hand. This is yet another op for us to share the gospel with our brother/sister officers. Great sponsors as well and Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw tells me he’ll be in attendance (he is a former competitor). Please plan on joining us.

That’s it for this week folks but, before I “let you go,” I must again ask if you are right with God today. That means being right by His standard as opposed to your own. If not, please scroll down the left side of this website to the “Are you a true Christian” links. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one (especially cops) -- repent and turn to Him today as tomorrow may very well be too late. Regardless, stay the course out there and know that I’m “here” to serve YOU in any way possible. Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to those on your email lists (easy way to share the Lord with others).