Looking for a Sign -- Centurion LE Ministry Newsletter

Fellow Officers and Supporters:

Would appreciate feedback from those of you receiving the newsletters via our new Constant Contact (CC) format. Hopefully, this will help with the SPAM issues and other Yahoo-related issues I've been dealing with. CC also allows me to post a link to the newsletter on FB and not just this somewhat abbreviated website version (CC allows me an easy way to utilize direct-click links).

We had a great time of interactive Bible study and fellowship at last Thursdays TCLEM/FCPO "Cop Church" meeting. Jim Wattles' teaching entitled A Cop's Battleground (aka Christian Life is a Battleground) elicited a good deal of discussion. Jim's primary text was the whole of Jude (the whole "book" is just a single chapter -- read it through to understand the context). Interestingly enough, Jude may have been a favorite of the Beatles (get it:)! Regardless, here's Jim's recap for all our readers worldwide (feel free to adapt and apply it to your own devotions and studies):

Message RECAP: Christian Life is a Battleground


Pastor Gino Geraci of Calvary South Denver in Littleton, Colorado (www.CalvaryCSD.org) recently spoke about "apostasy." I listened as he told us that the "Christian life is a battlefield" and that it is "not for cowards." I wasn't really sure what the definition of apostasy was, but the lesson kept my attention as it kept reminding me of the duties of law enforcement officers in ferreting out evil doers. When I got home, I looked it up and learned that it comes from the Greek word apostasis, which means desertion or revolt, but more commonly it is used to describe the abandonment of one's religious faith or a deliberate falling away and rejection of truth.

Those of us who have committed ourselves to Christ should know exactly what Pastor Gino meant when he described our lives as a "battleground." As Christians, we find our faith being questioned and ridiculed more and more. To this day in many countries around the world, Christians are imprisoned, beaten and murdered because of their faith. In the US, we aren't yet so concerned about being murdered, but biblical beliefs and practices are in fact being attacked by the media and through lawsuits filed by atheist/agnostic groups and eroded through the decay of Christian values (we are told that we must become more "tolerant" of things we know are sinful). Sadly, many churches today have watered down their messages and actually preach "tolerance" in opposition to God's inerrant Word (praise God, His truth never changes).

As law enforcement officers, we understand the courage it requires to chase after a man who is shooting at you, or the courage it takes to stand up against a violent group who far outnumbers you, but do we have the courage to stand up to people who are attempting to take away our Christian beliefs or even attempt to make them "illegal" under man's law?

Jude 1:4 says, For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:5 says, But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.


The late Pastor Charles Spurgeon said, "This would be the first step in apostasy; men first forget the truth and then adore the false." Moreover, some of the worst offenders -- apostates -- seem to be those men and women who claim to be former "Christians."

Pastor Gino closed his message on apostasy by saying, "You need to defend your faith against condemnation." and "You need to be watchful and vigilant for ungodly men." That is where we as Christian law enforcement officers need to be vigilant while we patrol our beats, using our discernment and good judgment to be on the lookout for those ungodly men who prowl in both darkness and broad daylight looking to dilute or destroy our biblical freedoms and beliefs.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 says, Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 tells us, But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Perhaps the US Navy says it best in the command, "General Quarters...General Quarters....All hands...man your battle stations!"

Amen! My own postscript to Jim's teaching is this: We are indeed at war against a very real enemy (Satan and all who follow after him). Even today, a federal appeals court in California wickedly ruled that marriage is no longer defined by God's law (between a man and woman) but rather by their own -- Proposition 8 Overturned! God spoke to us about this very thing in Isaiah 5:20: Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

God's call to us both as Christians and as cops is to STAND (Ephesians 6:13) on His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit against the enemies arrayed on the battleground before us. Rak chazak! Be not afraid -- be strong and courageous -- the Lord of hosts will lead us (Zechariah 4:6)! So will you?

Finally, and while implied in the title, it is imperitive that we point out that this message is intended for the Christian -- that person who has repented (turned from -- a "180" -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI) and entered into a life-saving/life-changing relationship (not "religion") with God in Christ. In truth, without the Lord we are ALL ultimately powerless and defeated. If you've not yet made a decision for Christ, let me again urge you to go to scroll down the left side of this website to the True "Officer Safety" (How Can I Be Saved?) links. It is ONLY through a right-relationship with Christ that we can experience true and lasting victory -- turn to Him today (and contact me if you need assistance or have questions).


This Week's Message: Searching for a Sign


This week (Thursday, 2/9/2012, 7:00 PM, Calvary South Denver in Littleton) I'll be teaching a profession-relevant/life-relvant message on the subject of "signs." Both believers and unbelievers alike are routinely looking for a sign(s) from God to prove His existance, to provide direction or validation, or give comfort for one thing or another. What does God Himself say on this subject? How can you know that the "sign" you are seeking comes from God? Should you be seeking signs at all? We'll answer these and related questions together on Thursday and I'll recap it for everyone else in next week's newsletter (stay tuned).


News & Announcements


Our website has a plethora of great information, links and resources to help you in your walk not only in the law enforcement realm but also as parents, spouses, students and more. Here you'll also find the latest prayer requests (scroll down -- and please feel free to email me your requests to thecenturionministry@yahoo.com), meeting schedules, news, announcements, training links and so much more. I update our website almost daily -- check it out and then refer back frequently.

That's it for this week folks. Don't forget to look for/like us on Facebook (I have my own page as well under Mike Williams) as well!

Let's be safe while serving boldly in Christ.

Police Det. Sgt. and Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
National Board VP, Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers -- USA

"Life as the Son of a Cop" -- Jerry Jenkins Special Event!

NY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR LOOKS AT
“Life as the Son of a Cop" Special Event at Calvary Chapel South Denver, 7:OO PM on Nov. 10.

Jerry B. Jenkins, of Black Forest, Colo., is best known for writing the blockbuster apocalyptic Left Behind Series, but most recently, he’s drawn to a subject matter close to his heart. His latest two novels The Brotherhood and The Betrayal are police thrillers set in Chicago. The real lives of law enforcement officers is a subject Jenkins knows intimately, as his father was a Chief of Police and his two older brothers were lifetime cops too. He will talk about life from the perspective of a child of a cop in a special event and booksigning hosted by The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry at Calvary Chapel South Denver (www.CalvaryCSD.org) on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 pm.

"I’m sort of the black sheep in my immediate family as the first male who didn’t become a cop,” Jenkins says smiling. “I grew up immersed in law enforcement without ever wearing a badge."

With his trademark sense of humor and insight, Jenkins will prove that he really understands the life of a police officer and offer encouragement and challenge to those in uniform. He believes those in law enforcement, as well as their families, friends, and neighbors, can be uniquely used by God.

The first two books in Jenkins’s new cop series The Brotherhood and The Betrayal came out earlier this year to positive reviews. Booklist magazine name The Brotherhood one of the “Top 10 Inspirational Books of the Year.” The thrillers feature Boone Drake, a young officer rising rapidly through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department. From all outward appearances, Drake’s life is perfect with a beautiful wife, young son, a nice home and pending promotion to the Organized Crime Division. But in a single moment all of it is shattered. With his life spiraling out of control, Drake crosses paths with Chicago’s most vicious gang leader and begins to understand that God can forgive the worst crimes and hardest of hearts.

Jerry B. Jenkins is the most prolific and highest-selling evangelical novelist of our time. He is the author of more than 175 books, including the 63,000,000-selling Left Behind series. Jenkins has a longtime association with Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he was former editor of Moody Magazine, vice president for publishing, and is now chairman of the board of trustees. Jenkins owns Jenkins Entertainment (www.Jenkins-Entertainment.com), a filmmaking company in Chicago, and the Colorado Springs-based Christian Writers Guild (www.ChristianWritersGuild.com), which aims to train tomorrow’s professional Christian writers.

The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian outreach by, for and about law enforcement personnel (police, deputies, investigators, probation/parole, corrections, military, etc.). TCLEM is affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) and provides Bible-based support, fellowship, and accountability for officers worldwide. This event is FREE and open to the public!

WHAT: “Life as the Son of a Cop” — a special evening and booksigning with bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, sponsored by The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry. * FREE and open-to-the public! Jerry will also be today's (11/08/11) guest of Pastor Gino Geraci on his daily radio show, "Crosswalk with Gino Geraci" from 4-6 PM (MT) on KRKS 94.7 FM -- www.947krks.com/LocalHosts/19/.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 PM

WHERE: Calvary Chapel South Denver

9052 W Ken Caryl Ave
Littleton, CO 80128
(303) 933-8733

Media Contact: For interviews with Jerry B. Jenkins or review copy request, contact Beverly Rykerd at (719) 481-0537 or beverly@rykerd.com. Information about the event or to learn more about The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, contact Det. Sgt./Chaplain M.C. Williams at thecenturionministry@yahoo.com or via cell at 720-371-1022.

Happy Easter (aka Resurrection Sunday)

I stayed up late to send out a very personal and heart felt "Happy Easter" (aka Happy Resurrection Sunday) to all my fellow warriors, friends and family. We had a great turnout last Thursday for our special Easter fellowship meeting (more on that in this week's newsletter) and -- courtesy of my unpaid "day off" (aka furlough) for all employees of the State of Colorado -- I was "blessed" (half-full instead of half-empty) to be able to attend Good Friday services.

Reference same, Calvary South Denver Pastor Gino Geraci's message that "Good Friday" was indeed "good" also needs to be addressed from a "half-full" perspective: Gino rightly pointed out that while Jesus's scourging and crucifixion made for what would accurately be described as His worst day ever, it was in fact a very GOOD day for each of us inasmuch as our Lord died in our place! Yes, He took YOUR place and my place on the cross! He epitomized a true servant-warrior's love, leadership and service by laying down His life for all those who would turn to Him, sincerely seek His forgiveness, and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

But it gets even better! Like in the "infomercials," Easter/Resurrection Sunday has a "But wait...!" statement. Satan thought he had a victory on that fateful Friday but on Sunday Jesus gets up off the "canvas" on the 9th count to kick the devil's behind! By rising from the dead our Lord defeated death and the grave -- and made a way -- the ONLY way, for us who embrace Christ as Savior to overcome death and spend eternity with Him.

If you have not yet accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so today (see the How to Know Christ as Savior or How to be Saved links). Better yet, find a solid Bible-teaching church today and take that all-important bold step to come forward and say "yes" to Christ.

He lives! He is risen! "Love Crucified Arose" (please take 3 minutes to watch, listen and worship: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjNeqvgMryw&feature=fvw)!

Happy Resurrection Sunday everyone -- and "Thank you Lord" for what you did for me!

Dep. Chris Dewey's Birthday, Biblical Truth, & More

Fellow Sheepdogs:

Now don’t have a heart attack, but I’m going to try to keep this brief for a change (!!). First, remember that we’re back “at it” this week for our regular Thursday evening profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship meeting (2/11, 1900, Calvary South Denver, Room #7, Littleton). We’re set to meet on the 18th and 25th as well. This week we’ll explore “The Power of Credibility.” Tell, invite, and/or bring your friends, colleagues and spouses!

Secondly, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey’s 27th birthday is this Tuesday (2/9)!! We are therefore asking everyone in the Denver-metro area to take some time out of their day and come by Craig Hospital in Englewood (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to wish Chris a “Happy Birthday.” As Chris loves to be visited by fellow officers, please come in uniform if you can. I will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but I visited and prayed with Chris today. Michelle Jones, a Centurion Ministry regular, will be bringing a cake and, inasmuch as Chris will be in therapy much of the day, suggests folks come in the late afternoon through early evening. Remember also that Chris was recently moved to the east building but still on the 2nd floor -- check with the staff for his room number. While we’re at it, please continue to pray for Chris (healing, restoration, health…) and his loved ones – Emily and Ross in particular – who are valiantly fighting with and for our brother. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates and to leave a message for Chris and Emily. As Chris will soon be headed home to Minnesota, I also wanted to encourage folks to donate for his long-term care:

Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
103 N. Main Street (or P.O. Box 378 )
Mahnomen, MN 56557


APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS (truth and false teaching):

I get theology and bible questions from time-to-time and will respond to them in this forum as appropriate. Here are two of the most common.

(1) What do you think about the book “The Shack” and is it something you would recommend?
Answer: Let me be subtle hear -- NO! Quite simply, the “god” and “Jesus” of The Shack is NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible. My pastor, Gino Geraci, likes to say, “If you’re wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you’re right about." Gino, widely considered to be something of an expert on cults and false teaching, has written a superb apologetic on The Shack that I highly recommend: http://www.calvarycsd.org/mediafiles/discernmentandtheshack.pdf. You can also find some great resources on this and other subjects (as in #2 below) at http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/.

(2) Are Mormons Christians and is the LDS (Latter Day Saints) a cult?
Answer: NO and YES. I have a number of dear friends and colleagues who are Mormons but, both for their sake (salvation) and because it is what God calls us to do, we MUST tell the truth in love. Strictly speaking, the Mormon “Jesus” is not the Jesus of the Bible. Mormons believe, among other things, that Jesus is Satan’s "spirit brother" and that He is not God but rather “a god.” In short, the Mormon belief system does not meet the biblical definition of what it means to be a Christian while at the same time does fall into the definition of a cult. Here are some great resources that provide the truth about this issue: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html; http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ -- scroll down to “Mormonism;” and Ron Rhodes outstanding book, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons. There are also some excellent apologetics resources on our website, http://www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/.

Finally, check out this great short article written by Pastor Gino on the subject of false teachings: http://blog.christianpoliticalview.com/2009/04/19/false-teacher-profile-jude-4-by-gino-geraci.aspx. Pray for those who have been led astray.


PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, we welcome your prayer requests and will post them here as appropriate):

(1) Pray for an officer in NM who is seeking a transfer to an agency that will allow him to better provide for his family and take some of the pressure off his wife.
(2) Englewood PD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for knee surgery in the morning to repair an injury sustained in the line-of-duty. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(3) Pray for a Federal corrections officer who sustained some serious medical issues during training (healing, provision, etc.).
(4) Pray for a colleague who is waging a heroic battle with cancer and a host or cancer-related medical issues (healing, strength, health, courage, etc.).
(5) Pray for Denver PD Officer Allison Casias (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias). Allison’s recovery to date has been nothing short of a miracle of God but she still needs prayer and Christian support.
(6) JeffCo Dep. Art Peterson, with whom readers should be familiar (see previous posts on our website and related articles such as http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/co/2009/50/articles/woman_who_allegedly_dragged_jeffco_deputy_truck.html) recently accepted Christ as his Savior (praise God)!! However, Art’s wife is now fighting cancer. Please be in prayer!

Let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84), stay in the fight and finish strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

A Leadership "Briefing"

Brothers & Sisters:

It has been an interesting week for many of us who have been called to serve in our God-ordained profession. That said, one of the main issues I deal with both as an officer and as a police chaplain continues to be the subject of leadership and the lack of true servant-leaders in our profession. Accordingly, we’ve begun our second major series on the subject of leadership as it applies law enforcement and the military (based loosely on Col. Ray Fairman’s work, Are you Destined to Lead? A Biblical Examination of Leadership). What makes this new series unique is that I’ll be able to share a significant portion of each discussion with everyone who receives our newsletters or checks our website. Starting today, I'll include a web link to each chapter as posted on Col. Ray Fairman’s website, www.rayfairman.com. Accordingly, last week we introduced our new series by discussing a number of important points Ray makes in his forward: see http://www.rayfairman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=9.

This week we’ll be tackling Chapter 1: Leadership Briefing. Don't miss this special opportunity to develop and/or enhance your leadership skills while at the same time deepening your faith and walk with Christ.

Of course, those outside the Denver metro area will miss out on the spirited exchange of ideas, my own unique take on each lesson, and a great time of "warrior fellowship" and prayer.

That said, a series such as this combined with (for example) Deputy Mike Dye’s The PeaceKeepers Bible Study (http://www.christianlawenforcement.com/index.html) provides outstanding material for other Christian law enforcement fellowship groups. Indeed, we are in fact purposely encouraging all law enforcement personnel to become active in a profession-relevant Bible study/fellowship. The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO -- www.FCPO.org) and Mike's website both list study locations around the country and, if none can be found in your area, we strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider starting one of your own. The FCPO and I have the resources and personnel to help you establish your own chapter. Bottom line: pray, act, and LEAD!


Upcoming MEETING SCHEDULE:

-- REGULAR MEETING (Thursday, 01/28/10, 1900-2030 hours, Calvary South Denver -- www.CalvaryCSD.org, Littleton. We'll meet in classroom #7 unless noted otherwise.)

-- Thursday, 02/04/10: NO MEETING (I will be attending a family event).

-- Thursday, 02/11/10: Regular meeting (same time/place).


"OFFICER DOWN" NEWS:

Our brothers with Ten-Four Ministries have posted a great story written by a LEO from Louisiana who attended the funeral for the four Lakewood (WA) officers who where slain last November 29th. This is a very special "MUST read:" http://www.tenfourministries.org/lakewood.html.


WEBSITE UPDATED:

I've updated our website LINKS section. In particular, check out our ministry page on our "home" church's new website: http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/centurion-law-enforcement-ministry/. Regardless of your own home church (YES, you should be part of a church fellowship), the Calvary South Denver (CSD) website has a plethora of great resources. It should also be noted that CSD is a VERY "cop friendly" church (Pastor Gino Geraci is also a police chaplain and quite a few officers -- myself included -- are actively involved in various ministries there).

Speaking of being "cop friendly" and the scheduling issues endemic to our profession, I highly recommend Calvary's "Tuesday Night Dialogue" service that starts at 1900 hours. You'll almost always find me there as I'm heavily involved in this unique service/ministry. See http://www.calvarycsd.org/bible-studies/tuesday-night-dialogue/ for more.


PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, send me your requests and praise reports and I'll post them here as appropriate):

(1) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news that a strong Christian law enforcement leader for whom we've been praying has been nominated to be the new US Marshal for Nevada. See http://www.lvrj.com/news/obama-nominates-lv-police-lieutenant-for-us-marshal-post-82236597.html. Let's continue to pray that our country's elected leadership (hmm) will turn to Christ and lead biblically.

(2) Pray for a brother officer whose wife has left him (strength, reconciliation, comfort, peace, etc.).

(3) I attended the farewell party for Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Chris Dewey last week (bagpipers were awesome) but have just learned that Chris will need yet another surgery. Please pray for Chris and that Emily will stay strong as she stands by her warrior-husband. Emily writes, "Based on the most recent CT scan, as well as consulting with two other neurosurgeons, Chris needs to have another shunt placed. A CSF-filled cyst independent of his ventricles developed. This may be putting pressure on the deeper structures of his brain, and could be why he hasn’t spoken since his crinkliesty. He was also moving his right side a bit prior to surgery, and has since been unable to. We need continued prayers that he has a successful surgery, quick and infection-free recovery, and that this resolves his communication problems. Although there are no guarantees, I am cautiously optimistic that there will be some positive results from this. I’m really trying not to get my hopes up, but if it be His will, improvements will occur. "

(4) PRAISE REPORT! I've received news from Lebanon (NH) Police Chief Jim Alexander that his son Nick has made the US Winter Olympic Team as a ski jumper. How cool is that!

(5) Pray for the Grant Wolf's wife Ruth (illness).

(6) Pray for two brother officers who are struggling with alcoholism and related sin issues: one has already lost his job because of this issue and the other is getting precariously close.

(7) Pray for the mother of a fellow officer (surgery).

(8) Finally, please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all the police officers and military personnel serving there in the midst of mind-numbing tragedy. God can and will use this for His glory (see also http://www.gotquestions.org/natural-disasters.html). While your at it, please pray for one of our "regulars," Lupe Pruneda (ICE), who will be assisting in the relief effort for the the next month or so.

Virtus et Honor -- "Strength and Honour"-- in Christ (1 Peter 4:11)!