Brothers and Sisters “of the Sword:”
We had a packed house at last Thursday’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO-Denver chapter meeting where I taught on the importance of having A Sense of Urgency in both being right with Christ and in sharing His salvation message with others. As always, I’ve included my RECAP in this week’s newsletter (see below). This week I’ll be teaching a special message on baptism with a unique profession-relevant tie-in that will serve as a great preamble to our first-ever law enforcement baptism service this Saturday at Southern Gables Church in Lakewood (details under “FCPO-Denver News” below). I’ve also included our regular array of announcements and news – keep reading and be sure to pass-on our newsletter to others on your email contact lists.
The latest PRAYER REQUESTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS have been posted here on our website (next post after this one) and I would encourage you to check back frequently for updates. That said, I’d like to ask you all to take some extra time to pray for our Australian colleagues and those they are fighting to serve in protect “Down Under” in the wake of the horrific floods that have been ravaging that country. The vast majority of us serving in the US will sleep in a dry bed at the end of our shifts while many in Australia will not.
FCPO-DENVER News:
(1) Law Enforcement Baptism Service! 1:00 PM at Southern Gables Church (4001 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80123-1358). Entry will be through the side door west of the main entry and retired Arapahoe County Dep. Roy Hood and Erv Meyer will be inside to direct the attendees into the baptismal area. This door will be in an unlocked position for entry to the event only. Erv is making a sign for the side door advising entry for "Centurion Ministry Baptism Event.” Join us at our regular Thursday meeting tomorrow (Jan. 13th) for more details!
(2) The latest local MEETING SCHEDULE has been posted here on our website (updated Jan. 5th post) – check back frequently for any changes.
FCPO and The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry on FACEBOOK:
Some may not know that we have a growing presence on Facebook. There is a list of Facebook pages here our website (scroll down the left side) and you can search my personal page -- used for ministry/outreach purposes only -- by entering “Mike Williams” and “Centurion” in the search bar.
TRAINING Corner:
CBI Special Agent Frank Vanacek sent me the following article that is right on point. Are you carrying what my friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman calls your “essential life-saving tools” (firearm, extra mag, cuffs, etc.) with you when off duty (you already know what farm animal sound Dave would make if you’re not)? Frank writes, “Imagine being an off-duty cop at the grocery store in Tucson, without a weapon. Most of us get complacent and think it will never happen to us – until it does.” Well said! http://www.policeone.com/off-duty/articles/3165822-Arm-yourself-for-an-active-shooter-incident-off-duty/
COURAGEOUS Preview in Florida! No one will tell me how they got the film 8 months before its official release!!??
January 29th at 4:30 PM in the main sanctuary of Jacksonville First Baptist Church (124 W. Ashley Street, 32202). Robert Hinson writes, “Please come and bring your family to a sneak preview of the movie. The movie release date is not until September 2011 and this is a great opportunity to see it early and to fellowship with other law enforcement officers. If you can attend please wear your uniform or something that identifies you as being involved with the Criminal Justice System. If you are plainclothes, work undercover, retired or just do not want to wear a uniform do not let it stop you from coming, just come and mix in with the guys in uniform. First Baptist wants to honor the law enforcement community and has invited us and our families to attend at no charge. I have attached the trailer, please look at it and spread the word to everyone you know. http://www.courageousthemovie.com/home”
Message RECAP – A Sense of Urgency:
The Holy Spirit has truly convicted me of late about the need to have both a right (biblical) way of thinking about His word and about the command we have to share it with others. A recent Pew study poll revealed some startling news:
** 23% of those who call themselves “Christians” believe that there is spiritual energy in trees and in reincarnation. WRONG!
** 15% of Evangelicals (that’s us – those that profess adherence to the tenants of historical biblical Christianity) and 30% of “mainline Christians” (whatever that is ??) between the 18-29 don’t believe in hell. WRONG!
** 50% of Evangelicals don't believe that the Bible is the literal word of God. WRONG!
** 70% believe that there is more than one way to heaven!!! WRONG!
So is Christ IS the only way? Is His word literal and true? Does 2+2 still = 4? In the end, what you “believe” ONLY matters if what you believe is TRUE! Here in America, we can still “believe” that 2+2= “5” but that does not make it so. Our “opinion” only matters if it lines up with God’s inerrant word and it should be our goal to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) in all we do! God’s clear answer – as laid out in His revealed (God-breathed) word -- the Bible – is an emphatic and commanding “YES!” If you’ve been living some other kind of false theology – a bogus, compromised, watered-down, politically “correct” (oxymoron), FALSE kind of “Christianity” that is not really Christianity at all, then may I strongly suggest that you need to check your heart and ask yourself on what your faith is based. If it is in anything else than on God’s word and Christ crucified, then you may very well be in real danger of hell! Hell? Yea – it’s really REAL (see http://www.gotquestions.org/hell-real-eternal.html).
Jesus says in John 14:6, I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one (NO ONE) comes to the Father except through me.
and
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we MUST be saved (Acts 4:12).
With our theology sorted out, and understanding that this life could end NOW, we need to have a real sense of urgency about sharing Christ’s love and message of salvation with others. “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20) is not “The Great SUGGESTION.” Rather, it is an urgent command – a “call for service” if you will – to both live and share the Gospel message with others. Hebrews 9:27 says, And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment. Note that once this life ends, that “judgment” is PERMANENT. Jesus is coming – and SOON.
Bottom line is this: we would never leave a wounded brother in the field. Why are we then doing so when it comes to sharing Christ? If a brother dies in his sin, then he is LOST forever. Let’s start living and sharing our faith with others TODAY so that our fellow warriors will have every chance to say “yes” to our Lord NOW – tomorrow may very likely be too late.
Finally, a reader took me to task for having the temerity to suggest that a brother officer killed in the line of duty would go to hell because he never accepted Christ as Savior. My answer was God’s word and only God's word. Know that I will NOT compromise on this – the alternative would be nothing short of leaving one our own without cover when under fire. We preach Christ – and nothing less. For more see:
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html and
http://www.michaelyoussef.com/god-culture/2009/10/18/we-preach-christ.html
Let’s stay the course and finish strong in Christ!
Showing posts with label Erv Meyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Erv Meyer. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, November 1, 2010
God's View of Law Enforcement and the Military
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
We had yet another great turnout at last week’s FCPO-Denver chapter meeting (essentially our weekly “cop church” service) where our focus was on the topic of killing and whether or not the taking of a human life by law enforcement and military personnel is biblically justified. Many officers who have a rudimentary knowledge of Scripture are in fact confused about this issue. As such, I wanted to both clear up any misunderstanding while at the same time providing a concise tool for us to us when sharing with others on this subject. Accordingly, please take the time to review the RECAP I’ve posted below.
We are in fact meeting at our regular place and time this coming Thursday, November 4th, and I’ve posted the most up-to-date local meeting schedule here on our website (see posts below this one) along with the latest prayer requests and announcements. Please join us in taking these requests to God in prayer -- and don’t forget to check back frequently for the latest updates. Also note the two new posts regarding brother officers who are very much in need of your prayers and financial assistance.
As a follow-up to last week’s study, this Thursday we’ll dig into God’s view of law enforcement and the military as detailed in His perfect “policy and procedure manual,” the Bible. As always, I’ll present a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter and on the website. Stay tuned or join us in you’re in the Denver metro area.
Don’t forget to VOTE!!
There are many who consider tomorrow’s (11/2) election to be one of the most important in our nation’s history. While I can't tell you whom to vote for, may I humbly suggest that you take the time to study the issues through a biblical lens and then vote in alignment with that biblical worldview. I’ve taken the liberty of presenting the following to help you think further on the issues facing our country. Moreover, be in prayer for our nation in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(1) Food for thought from retired Gen. William Boykin:
http://www.morningstartv.com/oak-initiative/marxism-america
(2) http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=XNUc8nuo7HI
Thou shalt not KILL?? The RECAP!
The phrase the "Ten Commandments" -- aka "The Law," refers to God’s lovingly-invoked prohibitions in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. In particular, we are going to take a close look at what is generally called the “6th Commandment” as found in:
Exodus 20:13
Thou shalt not kill (KJV) vs. You shall not murder (NKJV).
and
Deuteronomy 5:17
Thou shalt not kill (KJV) vs. You shall not murder (NKJV).
To be clear, the use of the English word “kill” by the original King James Version (KJV) translators and in the Roman Catholic translations is not altogether “wrong” but rather fails to properly denote God’s intended context and meaning. There are in fact seven different Hebrew words for “kill” or “killing” but the one used in Exodus and Deuteronomy is correctly translated as denoting “MURDER” in modern English. The word is also correctly translated from Hebrew to Greek in Matthew and James as MURDER as opposed to “kill.” Specifically, modern Bible translators point to two Hebrew words -- mut and ratsakh -- and two Greek words – apokteino and phoneus, that mean “murder” and “kill,” respectively The first words in each language mean “to put to death” while the latter mean “to murder.” It is the latter words that are specifically prohibited by God in the Ten Commandments and not the former. Moreover, the Hebrew word ratsakh (murder) has a broader definition in that it includes deaths due to carelessness or neglect but never to describe killing during times of war or “in the line of duty.” It is for this reason that most modern translations (New King James Version – NKJV – for example) correctly render the Sixth Commandment “You shall not murder” rather than “You shall not kill.” If the KJV meaning of “Thou shalt not kill” was just that -- no killing -- it would literally mean that God -- and visa vie the Nation of Israel -- would be violating His own commandment (which is of course impossible -- see also God’s “rules of war” in Deuteronomy 20). Rather, the word properly denotes only the illegal, unjustified taking of another human life.
The well-known Hebrew scholars C.F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch write:
Accordingly, in the command, “Thou shalt not kill,” not only is the accomplished fact of murder condemned, whether it proceed from open violence or stratagem, carelessness (Deut. 22:8), wantonness (Lev. 19:14), or from hatred, anger and revenge (Lev. 19:17,18)... The prohibition includes not only the killing of a fellow-man, but also the destruction of one’s own life (suicide).
Therefore perhaps an alternative translation that could properly include the word “kill” would be, “You shall not kill unjustly.”
Clearly, those of us serving in the armed forces (military, law enforcement, etc.) and those lawfully protecting themselves and/or others from imminent deadly force do not commit “murder” as defined. Throughout the OT, God repeatedly “took out” His enemies and those of His people – and (again) He CANNOT go against His own word! In addition, our signature passage from Romans 13:1-7 reveals that we are in fact ordained by God to execute wrath (deadly force, death penalty, etc.) on His behalf and that of the government for His glory and the protection of His people. Contextually, you have to realize that when Paul wrote Romans, he was writing to Christians who were under the authority of Roman law as enforced by the police officers of their day -- the Roman Legion (from which we get the rank of Centurion).
God has given us an awesome mandate – a policy even – that authorizes and directs us to use lawful lethal force in times of war, in defense of ourselves and others when legally justified in doing so, AND to carry out the death penalty in accordance with the rule of law (killing as opposed to murder). By the same token, we must also view murder as God does – that it is not just the illegal, unjustified killing of another but that it also includes the condition of one’s heart towards another.
Matthew 5:21-26 reveals that our Lord places unjust anger on same plane as murder.
James 2:11 says For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
1 John 3:15 further elaborates on what James wrote: Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Our friends with http://www.gotquestions.org/ write,
Many people mistakenly look at the Ten Commandments as a set of rules that, if followed, will guarantee entrance into heaven after death. In contrast, the purpose of the Ten Commandments is to force people to realize that they cannot perfectly obey the Law (Romans 7:7-11), and are therefore in need of God’s mercy and grace. Despite the claims of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16, no one can perfectly obey the Ten Commandments (Ecclesiastes 7:20). The Ten Commandments demonstrate that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and are therefore in need of God’s mercy and grace, available only through faith in Jesus Christ.
*NOTE: http://www.godquestions.org/ served as a primary reference for much of our study.
Finally, our own Erv Meyer writes, "Because God gives life, He is the One who should say by whom, when, where, and how a life is ended. Romans 13 says that lawful killing is both a privilege and an awesome responsibility given by God to those he ordained for same (law enforcement, military) and for lawful self-defense. On the other hand, Mark 7:21-23 says murder (the Greek word apokteino) is an evil thing that comes from the heart. Murder is when man usurps God's exclusive right and ends a life for wrong, foolish or selfish reasons. It's good that lethal force comes under careful scrutiny. This underscores the importance of being a committed Christian. A less than totally committed Christian may find himself inadequately prepared to make the right decision to choose to serve God rather than serve self or obey a wrongful order from man. We can be servants of God to kill, but we are never to serve ourselves (or others) to murder."
So how about you? Have you ever committed murder in your heart? What about ongoing, unrepentant and biblically unjustified anger towards a “brother” (not just the blood relative kind)? If so, you can humbly come to God TODAY, repent and receive His forgiveness and peace. Is your heart right with God? If not, then seek Him now – He is faithful to forgive and to save! See http://www.fcpo.org/christian.html for more!
Until next week – let’s stay in the word (Bible), in prayer and in step with our perfect Commander-in-Chief, Lord and Savior. Blessings!
We had yet another great turnout at last week’s FCPO-Denver chapter meeting (essentially our weekly “cop church” service) where our focus was on the topic of killing and whether or not the taking of a human life by law enforcement and military personnel is biblically justified. Many officers who have a rudimentary knowledge of Scripture are in fact confused about this issue. As such, I wanted to both clear up any misunderstanding while at the same time providing a concise tool for us to us when sharing with others on this subject. Accordingly, please take the time to review the RECAP I’ve posted below.
We are in fact meeting at our regular place and time this coming Thursday, November 4th, and I’ve posted the most up-to-date local meeting schedule here on our website (see posts below this one) along with the latest prayer requests and announcements. Please join us in taking these requests to God in prayer -- and don’t forget to check back frequently for the latest updates. Also note the two new posts regarding brother officers who are very much in need of your prayers and financial assistance.
As a follow-up to last week’s study, this Thursday we’ll dig into God’s view of law enforcement and the military as detailed in His perfect “policy and procedure manual,” the Bible. As always, I’ll present a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter and on the website. Stay tuned or join us in you’re in the Denver metro area.
Don’t forget to VOTE!!
There are many who consider tomorrow’s (11/2) election to be one of the most important in our nation’s history. While I can't tell you whom to vote for, may I humbly suggest that you take the time to study the issues through a biblical lens and then vote in alignment with that biblical worldview. I’ve taken the liberty of presenting the following to help you think further on the issues facing our country. Moreover, be in prayer for our nation in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(1) Food for thought from retired Gen. William Boykin:
http://www.morningstartv.com/oak-initiative/marxism-america
(2) http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=XNUc8nuo7HI
Thou shalt not KILL?? The RECAP!
The phrase the "Ten Commandments" -- aka "The Law," refers to God’s lovingly-invoked prohibitions in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. In particular, we are going to take a close look at what is generally called the “6th Commandment” as found in:
Exodus 20:13
Thou shalt not kill (KJV) vs. You shall not murder (NKJV).
and
Deuteronomy 5:17
Thou shalt not kill (KJV) vs. You shall not murder (NKJV).
To be clear, the use of the English word “kill” by the original King James Version (KJV) translators and in the Roman Catholic translations is not altogether “wrong” but rather fails to properly denote God’s intended context and meaning. There are in fact seven different Hebrew words for “kill” or “killing” but the one used in Exodus and Deuteronomy is correctly translated as denoting “MURDER” in modern English. The word is also correctly translated from Hebrew to Greek in Matthew and James as MURDER as opposed to “kill.” Specifically, modern Bible translators point to two Hebrew words -- mut and ratsakh -- and two Greek words – apokteino and phoneus, that mean “murder” and “kill,” respectively The first words in each language mean “to put to death” while the latter mean “to murder.” It is the latter words that are specifically prohibited by God in the Ten Commandments and not the former. Moreover, the Hebrew word ratsakh (murder) has a broader definition in that it includes deaths due to carelessness or neglect but never to describe killing during times of war or “in the line of duty.” It is for this reason that most modern translations (New King James Version – NKJV – for example) correctly render the Sixth Commandment “You shall not murder” rather than “You shall not kill.” If the KJV meaning of “Thou shalt not kill” was just that -- no killing -- it would literally mean that God -- and visa vie the Nation of Israel -- would be violating His own commandment (which is of course impossible -- see also God’s “rules of war” in Deuteronomy 20). Rather, the word properly denotes only the illegal, unjustified taking of another human life.
The well-known Hebrew scholars C.F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch write:
Accordingly, in the command, “Thou shalt not kill,” not only is the accomplished fact of murder condemned, whether it proceed from open violence or stratagem, carelessness (Deut. 22:8), wantonness (Lev. 19:14), or from hatred, anger and revenge (Lev. 19:17,18)... The prohibition includes not only the killing of a fellow-man, but also the destruction of one’s own life (suicide).
Therefore perhaps an alternative translation that could properly include the word “kill” would be, “You shall not kill unjustly.”
Clearly, those of us serving in the armed forces (military, law enforcement, etc.) and those lawfully protecting themselves and/or others from imminent deadly force do not commit “murder” as defined. Throughout the OT, God repeatedly “took out” His enemies and those of His people – and (again) He CANNOT go against His own word! In addition, our signature passage from Romans 13:1-7 reveals that we are in fact ordained by God to execute wrath (deadly force, death penalty, etc.) on His behalf and that of the government for His glory and the protection of His people. Contextually, you have to realize that when Paul wrote Romans, he was writing to Christians who were under the authority of Roman law as enforced by the police officers of their day -- the Roman Legion (from which we get the rank of Centurion).
God has given us an awesome mandate – a policy even – that authorizes and directs us to use lawful lethal force in times of war, in defense of ourselves and others when legally justified in doing so, AND to carry out the death penalty in accordance with the rule of law (killing as opposed to murder). By the same token, we must also view murder as God does – that it is not just the illegal, unjustified killing of another but that it also includes the condition of one’s heart towards another.
Matthew 5:21-26 reveals that our Lord places unjust anger on same plane as murder.
James 2:11 says For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
1 John 3:15 further elaborates on what James wrote: Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Our friends with http://www.gotquestions.org/ write,
Many people mistakenly look at the Ten Commandments as a set of rules that, if followed, will guarantee entrance into heaven after death. In contrast, the purpose of the Ten Commandments is to force people to realize that they cannot perfectly obey the Law (Romans 7:7-11), and are therefore in need of God’s mercy and grace. Despite the claims of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16, no one can perfectly obey the Ten Commandments (Ecclesiastes 7:20). The Ten Commandments demonstrate that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and are therefore in need of God’s mercy and grace, available only through faith in Jesus Christ.
*NOTE: http://www.godquestions.org/ served as a primary reference for much of our study.
Finally, our own Erv Meyer writes, "Because God gives life, He is the One who should say by whom, when, where, and how a life is ended. Romans 13 says that lawful killing is both a privilege and an awesome responsibility given by God to those he ordained for same (law enforcement, military) and for lawful self-defense. On the other hand, Mark 7:21-23 says murder (the Greek word apokteino) is an evil thing that comes from the heart. Murder is when man usurps God's exclusive right and ends a life for wrong, foolish or selfish reasons. It's good that lethal force comes under careful scrutiny. This underscores the importance of being a committed Christian. A less than totally committed Christian may find himself inadequately prepared to make the right decision to choose to serve God rather than serve self or obey a wrongful order from man. We can be servants of God to kill, but we are never to serve ourselves (or others) to murder."
So how about you? Have you ever committed murder in your heart? What about ongoing, unrepentant and biblically unjustified anger towards a “brother” (not just the blood relative kind)? If so, you can humbly come to God TODAY, repent and receive His forgiveness and peace. Is your heart right with God? If not, then seek Him now – He is faithful to forgive and to save! See http://www.fcpo.org/christian.html for more!
Until next week – let’s stay in the word (Bible), in prayer and in step with our perfect Commander-in-Chief, Lord and Savior. Blessings!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Late Breaking Prayer Requests & Announcements
Updated (9/14) PRAYER REQUESTS:
(1) Our own Erv Meyer has been hospitalized here in Denver. Please keep our brother in prayer. I will be visiting this afternoon. If interested in visiting, please shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com for details. UPDATE: Thanks for the prayers -- Praise God, Erv is now home recuperating!
(2) Prayer Request for Joseph Family:
Zachary Joseph, the twenty-four year old son of Colorado's RISS/Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN) Field Services Coordinator Garry Joseph, died after an accident in Cripple Creek last weekend (see http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2010/09/02/courier_gold_rush/news/08_wp_cc_fatality.txt). Many remember Garry from his long career with Thornton (CO) PD before leaving to serve the law enforcement community through the RISS/RMIN program. Garry -- a strong believer -- has asked that we keep his family in prayer and gave his permission to post the request in this forum.
(3) Little Tayler Ellison (daughter of Englewood PD Ofc. Shane Ellison) is once again in need of prayer. Go to her CaringBridge site for more and to post notes of encouragement (initial password is "taylerellison"): http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison.
(4) From a brother in the middle of the fight in Afghanistan:
I have a huge favor to ask of you. My team and I have a huge mission coming up in the very near future. We will need some prayers... the more the better!!!! This is one of those "this is what you train for" situations. Whilst we're at it, let's pray for all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm's way.
(5) Fellow FCPO National Board member Paul Lee in Chattanooga sends the following: Below is the latest update on little Elizabeth Jetton. Please keep her in your prayers. Please continue to pray for Officer Shelia Jetton (mom) and Matt (dad) for wisdom with the decisions they must make regarding their infant daughter who is scheduled for surgery today. For updates, go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal?jid=6053210 Prayers and words of support are coveted.
(6) Please be in prayer for officers, firefighters and of course the public they serve who are all dealing with and/or suffering from the effects of the Four-Mile Fire going on in Four-Mile Canyon (foothills and mountains west of Boulder, CO). Homes are burning to the their foundations and 3000 are currently being affected. Really bad...
(7) Be in prayer for all of us who are traveling to Gulfport (MS) this weekend for the FCPO National Conference.
(8) Pray for a brother officer in Boulder (CO) who is suffering from cancer.
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday (tomorrow), 9/9/10, 7:00-8:00 PM (yes, a short meeting this Thursday), Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), High School Room (new location -- past the main sanctuary at the end of the hall). I'll be teaching a special "9/11" message.
-- Fri-Sun (9/10-12/10), Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS. See http://www.fcpo.org/ for more. Hope you are planning to join us.
-- Thursday, 9/16/10, 7:00-8:30 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton, in the High School Room.
Check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements!
PATRIOT'S DAY (September 11th): Don't forget to fly your flags and say a prayer for all of us who serve in harm's way (police, military, etc.) protecting this nation. Pray also for the families of those who lost loved ones on this day of infamy.
Finally, are you "right" with God today? Let's be sure that we are walking in step with the Lord. Come to Him today if you don't have that "walk" (personal relationship with Christ) and, if you do know Christ as Savior, be sure you are living for Him in all things (Is He the Lord of your life?). Let's stay the course and finish strong!
(1) Our own Erv Meyer has been hospitalized here in Denver. Please keep our brother in prayer. I will be visiting this afternoon. If interested in visiting, please shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com for details. UPDATE: Thanks for the prayers -- Praise God, Erv is now home recuperating!
(2) Prayer Request for Joseph Family:
Zachary Joseph, the twenty-four year old son of Colorado's RISS/Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN) Field Services Coordinator Garry Joseph, died after an accident in Cripple Creek last weekend (see http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2010/09/02/courier_gold_rush/news/08_wp_cc_fatality.txt). Many remember Garry from his long career with Thornton (CO) PD before leaving to serve the law enforcement community through the RISS/RMIN program. Garry -- a strong believer -- has asked that we keep his family in prayer and gave his permission to post the request in this forum.
(3) Little Tayler Ellison (daughter of Englewood PD Ofc. Shane Ellison) is once again in need of prayer. Go to her CaringBridge site for more and to post notes of encouragement (initial password is "taylerellison"): http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/taylerellison.
(4) From a brother in the middle of the fight in Afghanistan:
I have a huge favor to ask of you. My team and I have a huge mission coming up in the very near future. We will need some prayers... the more the better!!!! This is one of those "this is what you train for" situations. Whilst we're at it, let's pray for all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm's way.
(5) Fellow FCPO National Board member Paul Lee in Chattanooga sends the following: Below is the latest update on little Elizabeth Jetton. Please keep her in your prayers. Please continue to pray for Officer Shelia Jetton (mom) and Matt (dad) for wisdom with the decisions they must make regarding their infant daughter who is scheduled for surgery today. For updates, go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethjetton/journal?jid=6053210 Prayers and words of support are coveted.
(6) Please be in prayer for officers, firefighters and of course the public they serve who are all dealing with and/or suffering from the effects of the Four-Mile Fire going on in Four-Mile Canyon (foothills and mountains west of Boulder, CO). Homes are burning to the their foundations and 3000 are currently being affected. Really bad...
(7) Be in prayer for all of us who are traveling to Gulfport (MS) this weekend for the FCPO National Conference.
(8) Pray for a brother officer in Boulder (CO) who is suffering from cancer.
Updated MEETING SCHEDULE:
-- Thursday (tomorrow), 9/9/10, 7:00-8:00 PM (yes, a short meeting this Thursday), Calvary South Denver (go to http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), High School Room (new location -- past the main sanctuary at the end of the hall). I'll be teaching a special "9/11" message.
-- Fri-Sun (9/10-12/10), Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference in Gulfport, MS. See http://www.fcpo.org/ for more. Hope you are planning to join us.
-- Thursday, 9/16/10, 7:00-8:30 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton, in the High School Room.
Check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements!
PATRIOT'S DAY (September 11th): Don't forget to fly your flags and say a prayer for all of us who serve in harm's way (police, military, etc.) protecting this nation. Pray also for the families of those who lost loved ones on this day of infamy.
Finally, are you "right" with God today? Let's be sure that we are walking in step with the Lord. Come to Him today if you don't have that "walk" (personal relationship with Christ) and, if you do know Christ as Savior, be sure you are living for Him in all things (Is He the Lord of your life?). Let's stay the course and finish strong!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Cop's Testimony
Brothers and Sisters:
We’re back on schedule and – for our locals and visitors – we will be meeting tonight (Thursday, 8/4/2010) as previously announced. For everyone else, I’ll send out a full recap in next week’s newsletter that will be written from Dallas. Dallas in August?!! That's what I said – I’ll be there for training all week. Please keep this “former” Texan in prayer as I moved to Colorado twenty years ago to escape Texas’ hellish summers which last about 9 months or more.
In light of one of our own (Lee with ICE) who accepted Christ as Savior just over a week ago, this week’s study will center on the topic of our testimony. Just what exactly is a “testimony” and do you have one? Please join us tonight at Calvary South Denver starting at 1900 hours and together we’ll answer those questions and more. The answer(s) may surprise you! Our own worship leader, Matt Wallenberg, will be back with some super worship music and we’ll have a great time of fellowship and prayer in addition to my profession-relevant message. We look forward to seeing you.
Speaking of being a new follower of Christ…many have asked me, "What does it mean to be BORN AGAIN?" Our Lord tells us explicitly that we MUST be born again in order to be saved (John 3:1-21). The concept can be a perplexing one for the initiated. Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates of Ten-Four Ministries (http://tenfourministries.org/) has put together a great short video presentation on the subject – please take the time to watch and learn. Go to http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-it-means-to-be-born-again.html. Also see http://www.gotquestions.org/born-again.html for more on the subject. If you don't already know Christ as your Savior, I urge you to take this all-important step of faith today -- we may not have tomorrow!
MEETING SCHEDULE & LATEST PRAYER REQUESTS!
As always, our meeting schedule and the latest prayer requests are posted here on the website (next post below). Please take the time to review these items and join us in praying for those that are in need – and thanks to all those who are sending them in. Check back frequently.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- As previously announced, don’t forget that Erv Meyer -- who has been at my side since this ministry’s infancy -- will be teaching at our August 12th meeting. Erv’s profession-relevant message will center on the person, life and testimony of Caleb – one of my favorite Bible heroes and a true servant-warrior. Please plan to attend this not-to-be-missed presentation if you are one of our regulars, reside in/near the Denver-Metro area, or are just visiting (and remember to pass the word to your friends and colleagues – just forwarding this newsletter is a GREAT witnessing tool).
-- Last Sunday we had the privilege of meeting Tonia Harris at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Tonia is the widow of Sandoval County (NM) Sgt. Joe Harris – my “brother from a different mother” – who was shot and killed in the line of duty just over a year ago. There is a pic of Joe at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC right here on our website (scroll down) followed by one of me at the same location. Keep Tonia in prayer as she and her kids move on with their lives. As with Joe, Tonia is a strong believer…
-- 1ST ANNUAL CENTURION L.E. MINISTRY BBQ!
Saturday, 8/14, staring about 4:30 PM at our place in Highlands Ranch. We’ll have fliers at tonight’s meeting with details and our address – or shoot me an email if you can’t attend tonight or next Thursday. Should be great fun! Please feel free to join us if you’re a regular, a “rookie” to our fellowship, or just passing through. Spouses are of course welcome and encouraged to attend.
-- CENTURION RADIO!!S
Speaking of Travis Yates, he has asked me to be his guest on the Friday, August 13th (Friday the 13th -- I love it!!) edition of his brand new law enforcement-related radio ministry – Centurion Radio! Tune in if you can or listen online later. The show starts at noon CST. You can listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ten-four-ministries/2010/08/13/centurion-radio-detectivechaplain-mc-williams . Stay tuned (literally)!
-- NEED A CCW?
State Correctional Officer Ryan Dyer is a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor who has started Rocky Mountain Gun Smoke. If interested, contact Ryan at1-719-285-8865 or via email at endure4him@gmail.com .
-- NEW CHRISTIAN MOVIE NETWORK: http://www.parablestv.com/index.php .
-- NEW FOP LODGE!
I now serve as chaplain for FOP Lodge 100. I encourage every sworn officer to be a part of FOP or similar organization – especially for the legal defense program (a MUST). If you’re serving in the Colorado Front Range and are not already a lodge member, contact Lodge President Troy Cooper at tcooper8899@msn.com .
-- Finally, I’ll leave you with this from Denver PD Ofc. Todd Gentry (author of Bulletproof). Todd writes:
Fathers, Men, Warriors:
If we do not rise to protect them, who will? I recently came across a non-profit called, Love146. In short, they provide prevention and aftercare programs to help put an end to child sex slavery and exploitation. They got their name during an undercover operation in South East Asia where child #146 was sold for sex.I am asking each of you, as a father, as a man, as a warrior, to make a donation and in doing so, stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Because if not us, who? And if not now, when? For more information, check out http://www.love146.org/ .
Let’s continue to uphold the right and serve and protect while holding each other lovingly and biblically accountable. Hope to see ya’ tonight!
We’re back on schedule and – for our locals and visitors – we will be meeting tonight (Thursday, 8/4/2010) as previously announced. For everyone else, I’ll send out a full recap in next week’s newsletter that will be written from Dallas. Dallas in August?!! That's what I said – I’ll be there for training all week. Please keep this “former” Texan in prayer as I moved to Colorado twenty years ago to escape Texas’ hellish summers which last about 9 months or more.
In light of one of our own (Lee with ICE) who accepted Christ as Savior just over a week ago, this week’s study will center on the topic of our testimony. Just what exactly is a “testimony” and do you have one? Please join us tonight at Calvary South Denver starting at 1900 hours and together we’ll answer those questions and more. The answer(s) may surprise you! Our own worship leader, Matt Wallenberg, will be back with some super worship music and we’ll have a great time of fellowship and prayer in addition to my profession-relevant message. We look forward to seeing you.
Speaking of being a new follower of Christ…many have asked me, "What does it mean to be BORN AGAIN?" Our Lord tells us explicitly that we MUST be born again in order to be saved (John 3:1-21). The concept can be a perplexing one for the initiated. Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates of Ten-Four Ministries (http://tenfourministries.org/) has put together a great short video presentation on the subject – please take the time to watch and learn. Go to http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-it-means-to-be-born-again.html. Also see http://www.gotquestions.org/born-again.html for more on the subject. If you don't already know Christ as your Savior, I urge you to take this all-important step of faith today -- we may not have tomorrow!
MEETING SCHEDULE & LATEST PRAYER REQUESTS!
As always, our meeting schedule and the latest prayer requests are posted here on the website (next post below). Please take the time to review these items and join us in praying for those that are in need – and thanks to all those who are sending them in. Check back frequently.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- As previously announced, don’t forget that Erv Meyer -- who has been at my side since this ministry’s infancy -- will be teaching at our August 12th meeting. Erv’s profession-relevant message will center on the person, life and testimony of Caleb – one of my favorite Bible heroes and a true servant-warrior. Please plan to attend this not-to-be-missed presentation if you are one of our regulars, reside in/near the Denver-Metro area, or are just visiting (and remember to pass the word to your friends and colleagues – just forwarding this newsletter is a GREAT witnessing tool).
-- Last Sunday we had the privilege of meeting Tonia Harris at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. Tonia is the widow of Sandoval County (NM) Sgt. Joe Harris – my “brother from a different mother” – who was shot and killed in the line of duty just over a year ago. There is a pic of Joe at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC right here on our website (scroll down) followed by one of me at the same location. Keep Tonia in prayer as she and her kids move on with their lives. As with Joe, Tonia is a strong believer…
-- 1ST ANNUAL CENTURION L.E. MINISTRY BBQ!
Saturday, 8/14, staring about 4:30 PM at our place in Highlands Ranch. We’ll have fliers at tonight’s meeting with details and our address – or shoot me an email if you can’t attend tonight or next Thursday. Should be great fun! Please feel free to join us if you’re a regular, a “rookie” to our fellowship, or just passing through. Spouses are of course welcome and encouraged to attend.
-- CENTURION RADIO!!S
Speaking of Travis Yates, he has asked me to be his guest on the Friday, August 13th (Friday the 13th -- I love it!!) edition of his brand new law enforcement-related radio ministry – Centurion Radio! Tune in if you can or listen online later. The show starts at noon CST. You can listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ten-four-ministries/2010/08/13/centurion-radio-detectivechaplain-mc-williams . Stay tuned (literally)!
-- NEED A CCW?
State Correctional Officer Ryan Dyer is a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor who has started Rocky Mountain Gun Smoke. If interested, contact Ryan at1-719-285-8865 or via email at endure4him@gmail.com .
-- NEW CHRISTIAN MOVIE NETWORK: http://www.parablestv.com/index.php .
-- NEW FOP LODGE!
I now serve as chaplain for FOP Lodge 100. I encourage every sworn officer to be a part of FOP or similar organization – especially for the legal defense program (a MUST). If you’re serving in the Colorado Front Range and are not already a lodge member, contact Lodge President Troy Cooper at tcooper8899@msn.com .
-- Finally, I’ll leave you with this from Denver PD Ofc. Todd Gentry (author of Bulletproof). Todd writes:
Fathers, Men, Warriors:
If we do not rise to protect them, who will? I recently came across a non-profit called, Love146. In short, they provide prevention and aftercare programs to help put an end to child sex slavery and exploitation. They got their name during an undercover operation in South East Asia where child #146 was sold for sex.I am asking each of you, as a father, as a man, as a warrior, to make a donation and in doing so, stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Because if not us, who? And if not now, when? For more information, check out http://www.love146.org/ .
Let’s continue to uphold the right and serve and protect while holding each other lovingly and biblically accountable. Hope to see ya’ tonight!
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