This week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO newsletter and devotional is UP! Click on "The Investigation -- Evidence of a Changed Life. What about you? Is there enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? Even enough PC (probable cause) to get an arrest warrant? This message was some three years in the making. Read, watch, pray, heed...and then pass it on. Lots of news and announcements as well.
Hope to see you tomorrow at Capstone Ministry in Castle Rock and this Thursday for Centurion Ministry at Calvary South Denver in Littleton.
Please continue to pray for those on the front lines fighting the fires here in Colorado. So far 500 homes have been lost in the Black Forest Fire -- including several belonging to our fellow servant-warriors.
Blessings!
Det. Lt. M.C. Williams
VP, Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers -- USA
Dir., The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Showing posts with label Col. Dave Grossman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Col. Dave Grossman. Show all posts
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A Cop's Church, A Cop's Battleground: Newsletter for 01/31/2012
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
This Thursday (February 2nd), law enforcement legend James "Jimmy" Wattles will be sharing a message we've entitled A Cop's Battleground. It goes hand-in-hand with my devotional/resource this week (see below) -- A Cop's Church. I will also be posting some excellent links, events, and a plethora of other new "411" here on our website (stay tuned). Please take the time to read/study and then pass it on to others. I'll of course post a recap of Jim's message in next week's newsletter for all our readers worldwide. As always, our messages, prayer requests, meeting schedules, announcements and so much more are posted and updated regularly here on our website.
In addition to our regular "cop church" meetings, those in the Denver area should also consider joining many of our Centurion LE Ministry regulars for tonight's (Tuesday) unique service at Calvary South Denver. We have great worship, outstanding teaching (Pastor Sam is currently taking us through Revelation) and even dinner tonight! We start at 7 PM -- hope to see you there.
A Cop's Church
As police officers/warriors, we will willingly and courageously charge into burning buildings (we're almost always there before the fire department -- LOL), run TO the sound of gunfire, take on rioting crowds, "leap tall buildings," jump out of perfectly good aircraft and generally place our lives on the line daily. That said, perhaps nothing can incite more fear or disinterest in cops than the idea of spending a couple of hours hanging out at a church (although not just any church). My purpose here is share God's will for us as it relates to "church" AND provide the resources to help officers choose a solid Bible-teaching place of worship for themselves and their families.
Why Church?
God provides the (THE) answer in His inerrant word -- the Bible. My friends at GotQuestions.org have posted a great series of short articles on this subject that I strongly encourage you to read, study and pray about: www.gotquestions.org/church-attendance.html (and the articles that follow it). The biblical direction (commands/mandates) revealed in these articles form part of the foundation of why we (The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, etc.) come together for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Now please understand that -- especially for those of us working nights, weekends and holidays -- we are NOT relegated to worshipping only on Sundays. Our own Thursday evening "meetings" have been dubbed "cop church" by more than a few of my regulars inasmuch it is the only day of the week when they are free (although I do not believe that our meetings should replace regular church attendance with your spouse and kids) and many solid places of worship have services multiple days of the week. Bottom line is that a Christian can't grow in their faith unless they are attending a solid, Bible-teaching church for iron sharpens iron fellowship, worship, support, accountability and ESSENTIAL Bible teaching. Again, church attendance -- in whatever form it takes -- is not optional for the believer but rather a loving command from our Lord as revealed in Hebrews 10:24-25 (And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching).
What Church?
Choosing the right church is perhaps one of the most important decisions anyone can make. Based on our Lord's direction in His Word, I recommend a church that is lead by a pastor who is a true shepherd (and not just a teacher) and is devoted to the Word (Bible); has great worship music that points folks to the Lord as opposed to those leading it; has a heart for leading folks to the Lord (evangelism); and is absolutely rock solid in matters of essential biblical doctrine. Take the time to check out the church's website. Two great examples are the churches I serve at: Calvary Aurora (www.calvaryaurora.org) and Calvary South Denver (www.calvarycsd.org). Look for an "About Us" section and information about the pastor's background. Attend a service or two and spend some time vetting the church in general (child care, youth and counseling services, etc.). Google the church and see what comes up.
What about denominations? Note that while I have nothing against denominations per se, I would caution folks about any church "tradition" or teaching that goes against God's word (the Bible) in ANY way. Moreover, I can't urge you enough to AVOID churches that are clearly outside of historical biblical Christianity such as the LDS/Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, churches that are part of the false emergent church (www.gotquestions.org/emerging-church-emergent.html and "word of faith" (www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html ) movements, etc.
Most importantly, seek the Lord in prayer and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The following articles (and the ones that follow each of them at the bottom) should prove very helpful in your search:
www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-choose-a-church-7-things-to-look-for/
www.gotquestions.org/looking-church.html
www.gotquestions.org/denominations-Christian.htm
www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-Christian.html
www.gotquestions.org/true-church.html
Church attendance for the believer -- even those of us working long hours and tough shifts -- is NOT optional. Sheepdogs will also be pleasantly surprised at the high level of support we have amongst the sheep we protect, serve and serve within the church.
Please feel free to contact me if you're having difficulty in this area and I'll be happy to assist.
Lastly -- especially for that officer who has not come to salvation in Christ -- I can assure you that you will not suddenly burst into flames (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_human_combustion) by going to church. While church attendance won't "save" you anymore than being a cop earns you a "get out of hell" pass, it is (or should be) a place that offers everyone an opportunity to get right with the Lord -- to repent of your sin and enter into a life-changing/life-saving RELATIONSHIP (not religion) with God in Christ. Is that you? If so, go to our website and scroll down the left side to the True "Officer Safety" (How Can I Be Saved?) links. God loves you and has a plan -- THE plan -- for your life. Moreover, there are NO second chances once this life ends and we will never be able to be "good enough" or otherwise "badge" our way into Heaven. On the contrary, Christ is the ONLY way (www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html) -- come to Him today!
News & Announcements
(1) On Servant-Leadership: www.lawofficer.com/article/magazine-feature/serve-your-followers
(2) Spiritual "Officer Safety": Compromise and "Your Enemy's Strategies to Wipe You Out" by Pastor Ed Taylor: http://vimeo.com/35895709.
(3) TRAINING: While generally secular in nature (although you might be surprised), I highly recommend my friends Lt. Jim Glennon (Lifeline Training -- www.lifelinetraining.com/index.html) and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (http://www.killology.com/). Their seminars are OUTSTANDING.
That's it for this week folks. Don't forget to forward to your friends and colleagues as well (great way to witness/share Christ with others). Don't forget to look for/like us on Facebook (I have my own page as well under Mike Williams). Let's be safe while BOLD in Christ.
Police Det. Sgt. and Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
This Thursday (February 2nd), law enforcement legend James "Jimmy" Wattles will be sharing a message we've entitled A Cop's Battleground. It goes hand-in-hand with my devotional/resource this week (see below) -- A Cop's Church. I will also be posting some excellent links, events, and a plethora of other new "411" here on our website (stay tuned). Please take the time to read/study and then pass it on to others. I'll of course post a recap of Jim's message in next week's newsletter for all our readers worldwide. As always, our messages, prayer requests, meeting schedules, announcements and so much more are posted and updated regularly here on our website.
In addition to our regular "cop church" meetings, those in the Denver area should also consider joining many of our Centurion LE Ministry regulars for tonight's (Tuesday) unique service at Calvary South Denver. We have great worship, outstanding teaching (Pastor Sam is currently taking us through Revelation) and even dinner tonight! We start at 7 PM -- hope to see you there.
A Cop's Church
As police officers/warriors, we will willingly and courageously charge into burning buildings (we're almost always there before the fire department -- LOL), run TO the sound of gunfire, take on rioting crowds, "leap tall buildings," jump out of perfectly good aircraft and generally place our lives on the line daily. That said, perhaps nothing can incite more fear or disinterest in cops than the idea of spending a couple of hours hanging out at a church (although not just any church). My purpose here is share God's will for us as it relates to "church" AND provide the resources to help officers choose a solid Bible-teaching place of worship for themselves and their families.
Why Church?
God provides the (THE) answer in His inerrant word -- the Bible. My friends at GotQuestions.org have posted a great series of short articles on this subject that I strongly encourage you to read, study and pray about: www.gotquestions.org/church-attendance.html (and the articles that follow it). The biblical direction (commands/mandates) revealed in these articles form part of the foundation of why we (The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, etc.) come together for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Now please understand that -- especially for those of us working nights, weekends and holidays -- we are NOT relegated to worshipping only on Sundays. Our own Thursday evening "meetings" have been dubbed "cop church" by more than a few of my regulars inasmuch it is the only day of the week when they are free (although I do not believe that our meetings should replace regular church attendance with your spouse and kids) and many solid places of worship have services multiple days of the week. Bottom line is that a Christian can't grow in their faith unless they are attending a solid, Bible-teaching church for iron sharpens iron fellowship, worship, support, accountability and ESSENTIAL Bible teaching. Again, church attendance -- in whatever form it takes -- is not optional for the believer but rather a loving command from our Lord as revealed in Hebrews 10:24-25 (And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching).
What Church?
Choosing the right church is perhaps one of the most important decisions anyone can make. Based on our Lord's direction in His Word, I recommend a church that is lead by a pastor who is a true shepherd (and not just a teacher) and is devoted to the Word (Bible); has great worship music that points folks to the Lord as opposed to those leading it; has a heart for leading folks to the Lord (evangelism); and is absolutely rock solid in matters of essential biblical doctrine. Take the time to check out the church's website. Two great examples are the churches I serve at: Calvary Aurora (www.calvaryaurora.org) and Calvary South Denver (www.calvarycsd.org). Look for an "About Us" section and information about the pastor's background. Attend a service or two and spend some time vetting the church in general (child care, youth and counseling services, etc.). Google the church and see what comes up.
What about denominations? Note that while I have nothing against denominations per se, I would caution folks about any church "tradition" or teaching that goes against God's word (the Bible) in ANY way. Moreover, I can't urge you enough to AVOID churches that are clearly outside of historical biblical Christianity such as the LDS/Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, churches that are part of the false emergent church (www.gotquestions.org/emerging-church-emergent.html and "word of faith" (www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html ) movements, etc.
Most importantly, seek the Lord in prayer and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The following articles (and the ones that follow each of them at the bottom) should prove very helpful in your search:
www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-choose-a-church-7-things-to-look-for/
www.gotquestions.org/looking-church.html
www.gotquestions.org/denominations-Christian.htm
www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-Christian.html
www.gotquestions.org/true-church.html
Church attendance for the believer -- even those of us working long hours and tough shifts -- is NOT optional. Sheepdogs will also be pleasantly surprised at the high level of support we have amongst the sheep we protect, serve and serve within the church.
Please feel free to contact me if you're having difficulty in this area and I'll be happy to assist.
Lastly -- especially for that officer who has not come to salvation in Christ -- I can assure you that you will not suddenly burst into flames (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_human_combustion) by going to church. While church attendance won't "save" you anymore than being a cop earns you a "get out of hell" pass, it is (or should be) a place that offers everyone an opportunity to get right with the Lord -- to repent of your sin and enter into a life-changing/life-saving RELATIONSHIP (not religion) with God in Christ. Is that you? If so, go to our website and scroll down the left side to the True "Officer Safety" (How Can I Be Saved?) links. God loves you and has a plan -- THE plan -- for your life. Moreover, there are NO second chances once this life ends and we will never be able to be "good enough" or otherwise "badge" our way into Heaven. On the contrary, Christ is the ONLY way (www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html) -- come to Him today!
News & Announcements
(1) On Servant-Leadership: www.lawofficer.com/article/magazine-feature/serve-your-followers
(2) Spiritual "Officer Safety": Compromise and "Your Enemy's Strategies to Wipe You Out" by Pastor Ed Taylor: http://vimeo.com/35895709.
(3) TRAINING: While generally secular in nature (although you might be surprised), I highly recommend my friends Lt. Jim Glennon (Lifeline Training -- www.lifelinetraining.com/index.html) and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (http://www.killology.com/). Their seminars are OUTSTANDING.
That's it for this week folks. Don't forget to forward to your friends and colleagues as well (great way to witness/share Christ with others). Don't forget to look for/like us on Facebook (I have my own page as well under Mike Williams). Let's be safe while BOLD in Christ.
Police Det. Sgt. and Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Friday, April 1, 2011
Updated Prayer Requests, Announcements & Updated FCPO-Denver Meeting Schedule
UPDATED 04/06/2011: I've started the newest list below...let's be on our knees before our gracious and loving Lord. More to come (check back frequently).
** Please pray for wounded Colorado officer Scott Warrington. I just received some very disturbing news and don't have enough details to share but this brother needs prayer and is not/has not been well-supported by his agency (again, lack of servant-leadership by those in authority).
** Pray for a brother in NM who is applying for a sergeant position with my old unit (SID) -- God's will and for His glory.
** Pray for Travis Yates, Lt. Col. Grossman and I as we share with 500+ officers tomorrow in Tulsa.
** Praise Report (!!) and Prayer Request: Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw, who was nearly killed three years ago, is going back to the road!! Total miracle and an awesome story that I hope he will share with us in the near future. Scott has to do two weeks of FTO and then he'll official be "back." Glory to God (and "Thank You Jesus"). More later.
Paul Lee sent the following update ref. Chattanooga shooting/police funeral: As you all know when a tragedy like this occurs cops go through several phases; shock & disbelief, remorse, anger, and then the deep remorse and agony of the fact we lost one. Right now in our area we are in the anger stage. They are angry at the bad guy, angry at the bad guys parents, angry at the news, and just plain old angry at life because they can’t fix this. Pray for Christian Officers to be bold for Christ even as they grieve. FCPO personnel in Chattanooga will be ministering to our brothers there over the next few days.
** Warriors -- we need you to be in prayer. Chattanooga (TN) Officer Tim Chapin was shot and killed and Ofc. Lorin Johnston was wounded in a shootout. Bad guy was wearing body armor and only one with a long gun was a sergeant that had to be called to the scene. Bad guy captured alive but Ofc. Chapin was shot in the face and killed. Ofc. Johnston -- who gave a kidney to another officer who needed one, sustained possible injury to his one remaining kidney. PLEASE join us in praying for Tim's family, for Lorin, and the CPD in general. See http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/apr/02/chattanooga-police-officer-shot-killed/. I will be in Chattanooga in a couple of weeks as that is HQ for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers USA on whose board I serve as VP. FCPO Pres. Paul Lee called me this AM...our prayer should be that God will use FCPO and believers there to turn what Satan intends for his glory to God's instead (sharing the truth of the Gospel with our brethren). Tim knew Christ as Savior -- praise God!
** An Illinois officer requests prayer that God will use him mightily as he lives the Gospel and shares it with his colleagues and chief of police (that our own will turn from their sin and accept Christ as Savior and Lord).
** Pray for CSP Trooper Gene Lawyer ref. his upcoming court date on April 28th (justice, mercy, truth).
** Please be in prayer for a retired officer (Louie) who is actively resisting any accountability from other Christian officers who love and care for him and is now back to doing things "Louie's way" (rebellion/sin).
** Pray for an officer recovering from back surgery.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS (see previous posts for more):
Chief Jake Shirk and the Monument (CO) PD is sponsoring a free church security seminar this Saturday, April 9th from 8:30-4:30 PM at Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church in Monument. Lunch will be provided. For more info contact Chief Shirk at 719-381-3253. More announcements and news are posted on our website – check back frequently.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
UPDATED FCPO-DENVER AREA MEETING SCHEDULE: --
-- Thursday, April 7th: NO MEETING as I'll be in Tulsa on the 7th with Travis Yates and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. I will then be returning the following day to join quite a few of you for our annual Tuesday Night Dialogue retreat in Estes Park on April 8th-10th. The theme for this year's retreat is Obedience (a great in-depth follow-up to my teaching on that subject -- see last week's recap here on the website).
-- Friday, April 15th at Calvary Chapel AURORA (http://www.calvaryaurora.org/) starting at 7:00 PM in Room 144. Investigator James "Jimmy" Wattles (noted outlaw motorcycle gang expert and featured on the History Channel's Gangland series) will be teaching a special message. More details to follow -- stay tuned!
-- Thursday, April 21st, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton. There is a possibility that Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw will be our very special guest speaker. Scott has come a long way since being critically injured in October of 2007 and his recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Stay tuned for further details!
-- Thursday, April 28th, 7:00 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. This will be our chartering event for FCPO-Denver and Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Executive Director Lamar Moore will be our very special guest speaker. Please make a point of joining us for a free (well, for you guys) catered meal and more. Stay tuned for additional details!
** Please pray for wounded Colorado officer Scott Warrington. I just received some very disturbing news and don't have enough details to share but this brother needs prayer and is not/has not been well-supported by his agency (again, lack of servant-leadership by those in authority).
** Pray for a brother in NM who is applying for a sergeant position with my old unit (SID) -- God's will and for His glory.
** Pray for Travis Yates, Lt. Col. Grossman and I as we share with 500+ officers tomorrow in Tulsa.
** Praise Report (!!) and Prayer Request: Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw, who was nearly killed three years ago, is going back to the road!! Total miracle and an awesome story that I hope he will share with us in the near future. Scott has to do two weeks of FTO and then he'll official be "back." Glory to God (and "Thank You Jesus"). More later.
Paul Lee sent the following update ref. Chattanooga shooting/police funeral: As you all know when a tragedy like this occurs cops go through several phases; shock & disbelief, remorse, anger, and then the deep remorse and agony of the fact we lost one. Right now in our area we are in the anger stage. They are angry at the bad guy, angry at the bad guys parents, angry at the news, and just plain old angry at life because they can’t fix this. Pray for Christian Officers to be bold for Christ even as they grieve. FCPO personnel in Chattanooga will be ministering to our brothers there over the next few days.
** Warriors -- we need you to be in prayer. Chattanooga (TN) Officer Tim Chapin was shot and killed and Ofc. Lorin Johnston was wounded in a shootout. Bad guy was wearing body armor and only one with a long gun was a sergeant that had to be called to the scene. Bad guy captured alive but Ofc. Chapin was shot in the face and killed. Ofc. Johnston -- who gave a kidney to another officer who needed one, sustained possible injury to his one remaining kidney. PLEASE join us in praying for Tim's family, for Lorin, and the CPD in general. See http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/apr/02/chattanooga-police-officer-shot-killed/. I will be in Chattanooga in a couple of weeks as that is HQ for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers USA on whose board I serve as VP. FCPO Pres. Paul Lee called me this AM...our prayer should be that God will use FCPO and believers there to turn what Satan intends for his glory to God's instead (sharing the truth of the Gospel with our brethren). Tim knew Christ as Savior -- praise God!
** An Illinois officer requests prayer that God will use him mightily as he lives the Gospel and shares it with his colleagues and chief of police (that our own will turn from their sin and accept Christ as Savior and Lord).
** Pray for CSP Trooper Gene Lawyer ref. his upcoming court date on April 28th (justice, mercy, truth).
** Please be in prayer for a retired officer (Louie) who is actively resisting any accountability from other Christian officers who love and care for him and is now back to doing things "Louie's way" (rebellion/sin).
** Pray for an officer recovering from back surgery.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS (see previous posts for more):
Chief Jake Shirk and the Monument (CO) PD is sponsoring a free church security seminar this Saturday, April 9th from 8:30-4:30 PM at Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church in Monument. Lunch will be provided. For more info contact Chief Shirk at 719-381-3253. More announcements and news are posted on our website – check back frequently.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
UPDATED FCPO-DENVER AREA MEETING SCHEDULE: --
-- Thursday, April 7th: NO MEETING as I'll be in Tulsa on the 7th with Travis Yates and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. I will then be returning the following day to join quite a few of you for our annual Tuesday Night Dialogue retreat in Estes Park on April 8th-10th. The theme for this year's retreat is Obedience (a great in-depth follow-up to my teaching on that subject -- see last week's recap here on the website).
-- Friday, April 15th at Calvary Chapel AURORA (http://www.calvaryaurora.org/) starting at 7:00 PM in Room 144. Investigator James "Jimmy" Wattles (noted outlaw motorcycle gang expert and featured on the History Channel's Gangland series) will be teaching a special message. More details to follow -- stay tuned!
-- Thursday, April 21st, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton. There is a possibility that Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw will be our very special guest speaker. Scott has come a long way since being critically injured in October of 2007 and his recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Stay tuned for further details!
-- Thursday, April 28th, 7:00 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. This will be our chartering event for FCPO-Denver and Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Executive Director Lamar Moore will be our very special guest speaker. Please make a point of joining us for a free (well, for you guys) catered meal and more. Stay tuned for additional details!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, June 7, 2010
All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
To say that last week’s fellowship meeting and profession-relevant Bible study was outstanding would be nothing short of an understatement. Marine, police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman’s presentation was incredible, memorable, and inspirational. As previously announced, Ray and his bride made a special effort to take time out of their vacation to join us last Thursday whilst en route to cool Idaho from their home in sweltering Georgia. Trust me when I say that Col. Fairman would make a superb choice for any law enforcement and/or ministry conference speaker. That said, I’ll do my best to recap Ray’s message (below).
Speaking of recaps, I opened our meeting with a special Bible-based Memorial Day message I entitled “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” – a phrase I first viewed at the Vietnam Memorial (aka “The Wall”) many years ago in Washington DC. Understanding that it was our Savior who truly gave ALL on the cross for us, how can we best remember and honour those who gave “all” or “some” in service to our country as members of the Armed Forces? Clearly, a fellow sheepdog dying in their sin without a saving, personal relationship with Christ is NOT the way. Rather, we must – MUST do ALL we can to share the Gospel message with our fellow warriors so that they will have every opportunity to say “yes” to Christ before this life ends (thereby assuring their place with Him in eternity). Understand this – there is no such thing as second chance, ”get out of hell” pass for ANY of us who end this life without a saving relationship with Christ (see Hebrews 9:27). On the contrary, we must be ready NOW as tomorrow may very well be too late.
So how can we best accomplish this? Here is a short 3-point answer:
(1) Repent, turn from your sin and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior TODAY (see the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link right here on the left side of this web page).
(2) Dedicate yourself to radically pursue God by growing closer and closer to Christ every day through uncompromising obedience, prayer, study of His word (the Bible) and regular fellowship with other believers.
(3) Decide today to live a life without compromise – to be full-on/sold-out to Christ in spite of whatever circumstances or hardships we might be facing. This also means not justifying our actions (sin) based on what we think or feel is right (http://bible.cc/proverbs/14-12.htm) as opposed to obeying His word. Remember that we can’t “make-up” our own “gospel.” Rather, the God tells us that there is only ONE WAY to salvation. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT through Me. In short, out goal should be to one day stand before our Lord (rest assured, we will ALL stand before Christ to be judged one way or the other) and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23). In short, BE a living example to others by the way you live for Christ.
I concluded my message by sharing a segment from the book The Good Life written by Chuck Colson in which he provides a biblical perspective from the film, Saving Private Ryan. Specifically, Colson points to the pivotal moment where Captain Miller tells James Ryan, “…Earn this…!” (see http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/14563). Christ most certainly earned it for us -- let's live our lives in such a way as to honour His sacrifice.
The message for us on Memorial Day -- and EVERY day for that matter -- is to live a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1-6) while seeking every opportunity to share Christ with our law enforcement and military (Armed Forces) brothers and sisters. Remember that just passing-on these newsletters is an easy way to share with othes.
Greg Laurie provides some extremely relevant notes as to how the United States will figure in the “last days” (Revelation): http://www.harvest.org/get_pdf.php/1140.pdf. Be in prayer for our country!
For honour's sake: http://www.resistnet.com/forum/topics/some-gave-all-all-gave-some .
Col. Fairman then followed with an incredibly inspiring presentation in which he blended portions of his personal testimony with the Marine Corps values he lived for “forty-two years, five months and twelve days.” Ray pointed out that those same values should in fact be a central part of our law enforcement code. It should be noted that Ray added the word “Family” to the USMC principles of God, Country, Corps (family follows God in the proper order of things). Ray also revealed that God’s “call” to Adam in Genesis 2:15 to tend and keep it in reference to Eden carries the same Hebrew meaning as our own “serve and protect” ethos of today.
In addition, Col. Fairman shared the following acronym HRSMMA:
Hear about God before you read His word.
Read about God (Bible).
Study God’s word (take notes).
Meditate on His word.
Memorize His word (thereby gaining the ability to wield the Sword of the Spirit as detailed in Ephesians 6:17).
Apply God’s word to every aspect of our lives and profession.
Ray also came bearing gifts, including but not limited to copies of his books Are you Destined to Lead? and Ephesians: God’s Battle Plan for Spiritual Warfare. In return, we gave Ray a Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry polo and I’ll ship him a sweatshirt come winter.
I’ve posted a couple photos of Col. Fairman – scroll down to the bottom. Reference same, one of the photos shows Ray shaking hands with young Kyle Mair, the son of veteran Denver PD Sgt. Jim Mair. Kyle – a "chip off the old block,” was recently credited with helping save the lives of two persons who were pinned under a vehicle involved in a serious traffic accident (Kyle -- being an up and coming sheepdog -- stopped to assist instead of driving on with the sheep). Kyle plans to enter the Marines after high school and Ray spent considerable time talking to this outstanding young man about his options and what that choice will entail.
Ray’s website is the place to order his books and view a plethora of outstanding free resources – go to the SWAT link under “Christian Law Enforcement Sites” on the left side of this page.
I consider Ray to right up there with Col. Dave Grossman (a high compliment indeed) as a speaker. I’ll regularly include much more from Ray via our ongoing leadership series – stay tuned!
THIS week (06/10/10, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver church in Littleton) I will present a profession-relevant message centered on the importance of ACCOUNTABILITY based on Proverbs 27:17 -- As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man (or woman) Sharpens Another. Please join us if you’re in the area and -- for those who are not -- I’ll again present a detailed recap in next week’s e-newsletter and here on the website. Be sure to PASS THE WORD by sharing this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and others in your email address book.
Finally, don’t forget to frequently check back for the latest announcements, meeting schedule updates, and the all-important prayer requests (see posts below).
Until next week – STAY THE COURSE!
To say that last week’s fellowship meeting and profession-relevant Bible study was outstanding would be nothing short of an understatement. Marine, police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman’s presentation was incredible, memorable, and inspirational. As previously announced, Ray and his bride made a special effort to take time out of their vacation to join us last Thursday whilst en route to cool Idaho from their home in sweltering Georgia. Trust me when I say that Col. Fairman would make a superb choice for any law enforcement and/or ministry conference speaker. That said, I’ll do my best to recap Ray’s message (below).
Speaking of recaps, I opened our meeting with a special Bible-based Memorial Day message I entitled “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” – a phrase I first viewed at the Vietnam Memorial (aka “The Wall”) many years ago in Washington DC. Understanding that it was our Savior who truly gave ALL on the cross for us, how can we best remember and honour those who gave “all” or “some” in service to our country as members of the Armed Forces? Clearly, a fellow sheepdog dying in their sin without a saving, personal relationship with Christ is NOT the way. Rather, we must – MUST do ALL we can to share the Gospel message with our fellow warriors so that they will have every opportunity to say “yes” to Christ before this life ends (thereby assuring their place with Him in eternity). Understand this – there is no such thing as second chance, ”get out of hell” pass for ANY of us who end this life without a saving relationship with Christ (see Hebrews 9:27). On the contrary, we must be ready NOW as tomorrow may very well be too late.
So how can we best accomplish this? Here is a short 3-point answer:
(1) Repent, turn from your sin and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior TODAY (see the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link right here on the left side of this web page).
(2) Dedicate yourself to radically pursue God by growing closer and closer to Christ every day through uncompromising obedience, prayer, study of His word (the Bible) and regular fellowship with other believers.
(3) Decide today to live a life without compromise – to be full-on/sold-out to Christ in spite of whatever circumstances or hardships we might be facing. This also means not justifying our actions (sin) based on what we think or feel is right (http://bible.cc/proverbs/14-12.htm) as opposed to obeying His word. Remember that we can’t “make-up” our own “gospel.” Rather, the God tells us that there is only ONE WAY to salvation. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT through Me. In short, out goal should be to one day stand before our Lord (rest assured, we will ALL stand before Christ to be judged one way or the other) and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23). In short, BE a living example to others by the way you live for Christ.
I concluded my message by sharing a segment from the book The Good Life written by Chuck Colson in which he provides a biblical perspective from the film, Saving Private Ryan. Specifically, Colson points to the pivotal moment where Captain Miller tells James Ryan, “…Earn this…!” (see http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/14563). Christ most certainly earned it for us -- let's live our lives in such a way as to honour His sacrifice.
The message for us on Memorial Day -- and EVERY day for that matter -- is to live a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1-6) while seeking every opportunity to share Christ with our law enforcement and military (Armed Forces) brothers and sisters. Remember that just passing-on these newsletters is an easy way to share with othes.
Greg Laurie provides some extremely relevant notes as to how the United States will figure in the “last days” (Revelation): http://www.harvest.org/get_pdf.php/1140.pdf. Be in prayer for our country!
For honour's sake: http://www.resistnet.com/forum/topics/some-gave-all-all-gave-some .
Col. Fairman then followed with an incredibly inspiring presentation in which he blended portions of his personal testimony with the Marine Corps values he lived for “forty-two years, five months and twelve days.” Ray pointed out that those same values should in fact be a central part of our law enforcement code. It should be noted that Ray added the word “Family” to the USMC principles of God, Country, Corps (family follows God in the proper order of things). Ray also revealed that God’s “call” to Adam in Genesis 2:15 to tend and keep it in reference to Eden carries the same Hebrew meaning as our own “serve and protect” ethos of today.
In addition, Col. Fairman shared the following acronym HRSMMA:
Hear about God before you read His word.
Read about God (Bible).
Study God’s word (take notes).
Meditate on His word.
Memorize His word (thereby gaining the ability to wield the Sword of the Spirit as detailed in Ephesians 6:17).
Apply God’s word to every aspect of our lives and profession.
Ray also came bearing gifts, including but not limited to copies of his books Are you Destined to Lead? and Ephesians: God’s Battle Plan for Spiritual Warfare. In return, we gave Ray a Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry polo and I’ll ship him a sweatshirt come winter.
I’ve posted a couple photos of Col. Fairman – scroll down to the bottom. Reference same, one of the photos shows Ray shaking hands with young Kyle Mair, the son of veteran Denver PD Sgt. Jim Mair. Kyle – a "chip off the old block,” was recently credited with helping save the lives of two persons who were pinned under a vehicle involved in a serious traffic accident (Kyle -- being an up and coming sheepdog -- stopped to assist instead of driving on with the sheep). Kyle plans to enter the Marines after high school and Ray spent considerable time talking to this outstanding young man about his options and what that choice will entail.
Ray’s website is the place to order his books and view a plethora of outstanding free resources – go to the SWAT link under “Christian Law Enforcement Sites” on the left side of this page.
I consider Ray to right up there with Col. Dave Grossman (a high compliment indeed) as a speaker. I’ll regularly include much more from Ray via our ongoing leadership series – stay tuned!
THIS week (06/10/10, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver church in Littleton) I will present a profession-relevant message centered on the importance of ACCOUNTABILITY based on Proverbs 27:17 -- As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man (or woman) Sharpens Another. Please join us if you’re in the area and -- for those who are not -- I’ll again present a detailed recap in next week’s e-newsletter and here on the website. Be sure to PASS THE WORD by sharing this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and others in your email address book.
Finally, don’t forget to frequently check back for the latest announcements, meeting schedule updates, and the all-important prayer requests (see posts below).
Until next week – STAY THE COURSE!
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