This week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO newsletter is up! Just click on "A Cop's Priorities." In addition to the profession-relevant devotional, it also includes some important announcements on some upcoming events in Dallas and Tulsa. Check it out and then pass it on!
MC
Showing posts with label James Wattles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Wattles. Show all posts
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
"Tears of Blue" -- TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter
This week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO e-newsletter went out to our subscribers last night and I'm posting it here again (we encourage you to sign up -- just need your email address): NEWSLETTER -- Tears of Blue. It includes the recap from last week's Bible study that provides God's answer for "Why?" ("why" bad things happen to otherwise "good" people) that comes in the wake of the Aurora theater massacre that has affected all of us here in the Denver-metro area. In addition, I've once again included a slew of resources to help us in our daily walk with God (especially as it relates to our role as God's servant-warriors/servant-leaders: cops, corrections, military, etc. and our families) along with information about the upcoming Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference coming up in late September.
If you're in the Denver area, please consider joining us this Thursday, August 2nd, at Calvary South Denver in Littleton where retired police detective-turned-chaplain Jim Wattles will be sharing a profession-relevant message he's entitled "Tears of Blue" based on the shortest verse in the New Testament. We start at 7! For everyone else, I'll include a recap (summary) of Jim's teaching in next week's newsletter that you can adapt to your own studies and devotions (and then pass-on to others). Remember that our meeting and event schedules are posted here on our website ("eyes left").
Finally, don't forget to check out the latest prayer requests -- currently in the updated July 22nd post below (scroll down). Speaking of prayer, we are burying a brother officer today (our 3rd so far for CO this year) in Colorado Springs. Accordingly, please keep the family and colleagues of CSPD Officer Matthew Tyner in your prayers. The funeral begins at 1400 hours at New Life Church. Click HERE for more details.
In law enforcement, we often part with some version of "stay safe" as we go about performing our God-ordained duties (Romans 13:1-4). In closing this week's newsletter post, I once again have a "Code 3" sense of urgency in reminding you that the ONLY way we can have the assurance of eternal safety is by being in a right-relationship with God in Christ (we will NOT be able to "badge" our way out of hell or into Heaven). So where are YOU today? Matt's untimely death is yet another reminder that TODAY may be YOUR day. So are you saved? Are you walking "lock-step" with Christ our Captain? If not, then I BEG you -- repent of your sin and turn to Him in faith NOW. If you don't know how, call (720-371-1022) or email (fullarmor911@yahoo.com) me and I'll help you take that step. You can also scroll down the left side of this page to the links under "Know God." Don't wait -- no second chances once this life ends!
Stay Safe -- but BOLD in the service of Christ our King.
MC
If you're in the Denver area, please consider joining us this Thursday, August 2nd, at Calvary South Denver in Littleton where retired police detective-turned-chaplain Jim Wattles will be sharing a profession-relevant message he's entitled "Tears of Blue" based on the shortest verse in the New Testament. We start at 7! For everyone else, I'll include a recap (summary) of Jim's teaching in next week's newsletter that you can adapt to your own studies and devotions (and then pass-on to others). Remember that our meeting and event schedules are posted here on our website ("eyes left").
Finally, don't forget to check out the latest prayer requests -- currently in the updated July 22nd post below (scroll down). Speaking of prayer, we are burying a brother officer today (our 3rd so far for CO this year) in Colorado Springs. Accordingly, please keep the family and colleagues of CSPD Officer Matthew Tyner in your prayers. The funeral begins at 1400 hours at New Life Church. Click HERE for more details.
In law enforcement, we often part with some version of "stay safe" as we go about performing our God-ordained duties (Romans 13:1-4). In closing this week's newsletter post, I once again have a "Code 3" sense of urgency in reminding you that the ONLY way we can have the assurance of eternal safety is by being in a right-relationship with God in Christ (we will NOT be able to "badge" our way out of hell or into Heaven). So where are YOU today? Matt's untimely death is yet another reminder that TODAY may be YOUR day. So are you saved? Are you walking "lock-step" with Christ our Captain? If not, then I BEG you -- repent of your sin and turn to Him in faith NOW. If you don't know how, call (720-371-1022) or email (fullarmor911@yahoo.com) me and I'll help you take that step. You can also scroll down the left side of this page to the links under "Know God." Don't wait -- no second chances once this life ends!
Stay Safe -- but BOLD in the service of Christ our King.
MC
Monday, July 16, 2012
A Cop's Legacy: TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter for Week of July 15th
I got home late from a busy special event weekend in Fairplay that included an extra-strong dose of "drunk and disorderly" miscreant activity. Praise God, no one was seriously injured and I'm back in the fight. This week's newsletter is up (albeit with some minor corrections from the first version sent out to our email subscribers). Sign up if you're not already on the list! Otherwise, here you go: A Cop's Legacy.
Don't forget that this week's newsletter includes Chaplain Jimmy Wattles' recap from the message he shared with us last Thursday. In addition, I've included a host of new links, resources, news and announcements both in the newsletter and here on our website.
This week I'll be teaching for Pastor Sam Park at the Tuesday Night TRUTH (TNT) service at Calvary Chapel South Denver starting at 7 PM tomorrow AND at our Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship this Thursday (7/19/2012) at Calvary Chapel Aurora starting at 7 PM in Room 138/139 (behind the cafe). Join us if you're in the area. If not, then stay tuned for next week's newsletter that will include my recap and a link to the audio file of my TNT message.
Let's stay the course in Christ!
MC
Don't forget that this week's newsletter includes Chaplain Jimmy Wattles' recap from the message he shared with us last Thursday. In addition, I've included a host of new links, resources, news and announcements both in the newsletter and here on our website.
This week I'll be teaching for Pastor Sam Park at the Tuesday Night TRUTH (TNT) service at Calvary Chapel South Denver starting at 7 PM tomorrow AND at our Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship this Thursday (7/19/2012) at Calvary Chapel Aurora starting at 7 PM in Room 138/139 (behind the cafe). Join us if you're in the area. If not, then stay tuned for next week's newsletter that will include my recap and a link to the audio file of my TNT message.
Let's stay the course in Christ!
MC
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Cops, Deadly Force and God: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter
Here is this week's newsletter that includes an important devotional, info on this week's meeting (recap to follow in next week's newsletter), "411" on our upcoming FCPO National Conference and so much more. Please take the time to open and click through -- then PASS IT ON to your colleagues, friends and family. Click on Cops, Deadly Force and God -- Centurion/FCPO Newsletter for Week of June 3rd, 2012.
Note that own LE legend Jim Wattles and two other Denver PD officers will be sharing a special message on that subject ("Cops, Deadly Force and God" -- officer involved shootings) this Thursday at Calvary South Denver in Littleton starting at 1900 hours (open and view newsletter for details). Invite a colleague, bring your spouse, and join us!
PRAYER REQUESTS (updated 06/13/2012)
** Fellow FCPO board member Lt. Chuck Urgo (Chicago PD, Retired) sends out a request that we be in prayer for a Georgia officer who is dealing with some severe, debilitating medical issues and now the added burden of her husband wanting to leave. Let's pray!
** Fellow warriors, we are losing an officer a day to suicide! With Father's Day upon us, let's have a sense of urgency in coming alongside our own! Christian police officer-turned-chaplain Robert Michaels has a great website and crisis hotline dealing with that and related issues. See Serve and Protect (also linked here on our website).
** Pray for the firefighters, pilots and first responders battling the fires in CO and NM. Here in CO, a number of first responders have lost their homes while fighting to save those of others.
** The Springfield (MA) PD recently lost an officer -- shot and killed by a correctional officerwho had just shot his own wife in a domestic dispute. Officer Kevin Ambrose is credited with saving the lives of the C/O's spouse and child. Kevin's funeral was held last Friday (6/8/12) -- one week to the day after we buried Englewood PD Ofc. Jeremy Bitner here. Please keep their families and colleagues in prayer. See Kevin Ambrose for more.
** Pray for a dear brother and fellow warrior in TN who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (healing and restoration, courage for the battle...).
** PRAISE REPORT! Thanks to all those who have been praying for our own Mike Carter -- he pased his background and has started the CO DOC training academy.
** For an USAF reservist and future officer who was laid off from his full-time USAF-Reserve job due to military spending cuts (provision, promise of new full-time position in October, etc.).
** Be in prayer for us reference the upcoming (September 28-30) Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference in FL. JOIN US as well! Poster is at the top of our site and there are more details in the newsletter(s).
** Pray for an Army soldier (future LEO), his spouse and their newborn in GA: deployment looming and some new medical issues his bride is dealing with (healing, provision, peace). Update and Praise Report: The problem with Stevie turned out to be a minor one (praise God) and she is being treated with antibiotics. Continue to keep this family in prayer as Rob deploys this week.
Note that own LE legend Jim Wattles and two other Denver PD officers will be sharing a special message on that subject ("Cops, Deadly Force and God" -- officer involved shootings) this Thursday at Calvary South Denver in Littleton starting at 1900 hours (open and view newsletter for details). Invite a colleague, bring your spouse, and join us!
PRAYER REQUESTS (updated 06/13/2012)
** Fellow FCPO board member Lt. Chuck Urgo (Chicago PD, Retired) sends out a request that we be in prayer for a Georgia officer who is dealing with some severe, debilitating medical issues and now the added burden of her husband wanting to leave. Let's pray!
** Fellow warriors, we are losing an officer a day to suicide! With Father's Day upon us, let's have a sense of urgency in coming alongside our own! Christian police officer-turned-chaplain Robert Michaels has a great website and crisis hotline dealing with that and related issues. See Serve and Protect (also linked here on our website).
** Pray for the firefighters, pilots and first responders battling the fires in CO and NM. Here in CO, a number of first responders have lost their homes while fighting to save those of others.
** The Springfield (MA) PD recently lost an officer -- shot and killed by a correctional officer
** Pray for a dear brother and fellow warrior in TN who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (healing and restoration, courage for the battle...).
** PRAISE REPORT! Thanks to all those who have been praying for our own Mike Carter -- he pased his background and has started the CO DOC training academy.
** For an USAF reservist and future officer who was laid off from his full-time USAF-Reserve job due to military spending cuts (provision, promise of new full-time position in October, etc.).
** Be in prayer for us reference the upcoming (September 28-30) Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference in FL. JOIN US as well! Poster is at the top of our site and there are more details in the newsletter(s).
** Pray for an Army soldier (future LEO), his spouse and their newborn in GA: deployment looming and some new medical issues his bride is dealing with (healing, provision, peace). Update and Praise Report: The problem with Stevie turned out to be a minor one (praise God) and she is being treated with antibiotics. Continue to keep this family in prayer as Rob deploys this week.
Monday, April 16, 2012
"Don't Judge Me!" TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter
Our own James "Jimmy" Wattles (law enforcement legend and now a CSP chaplain) did a great job teaching a message he entitled "To Serve and Protect" at last week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO-Denver"cop church" fellowship. As always, I've posted his recap below. We encourage you to use/adapt it to your own studies and devotions.
This week we'll be on the east side of the metroplex for our monthly meeting at Calvary Chapel Aurora where I'll be sharing a message on the oft-misunderstood/misapplied passage from Matthew 7:1 which reads, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged." Many proclaim "Don't judge me!" However, what does this verse actually mean and what is the application? On Thursday we'll explore what our Lord Himself has to say based on context and the whole counsel of His word (you may be surprised...), along with an application to those of us serving in our God-ordained profession of law enforcement.
Invite a colleague, bring your spouse and join us. We'll start at 7 PM in Room 138/139 off the cafe (follow the signs). I'll of course post a detailed RECAP for everyone else in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned!
______________________________________________
Study RECAP
To Serve and Protect By Jim Wattles
Long before the slogan, "To Serve and Protect" emblazoned a patrol car, it was the motto of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The whole purpose of Jesus' life was to be our servant and willingly give His life on the cross for us -- the ultimate act of protection.
Jesus rebuked and taught His own disciples, after overhearing them disputing who among them was the greatest of Jesus's disciples. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus added more in Mark 10:44-45, "And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
As young police officers, I believe we all had the idea that we were servants and our job was to help those in need. But, what kind of attitude do you see in officers with 5-6 years on the job? I would bet most have hardened hearts due to the endless and senseless violence, sexual immorality, drugs and lack of support in the communities they serve. They find that their "heroic" efforts to rid their communities of crime have led to citizen complaints, disciplinary actions and probably a higher crime rate. The attitude of being a servant is very likely to have changed to that of being a "doormat". The late author and Bible teacher, Oswald Chambers, said in his book, 'My Utmost For His Highest', "If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people treat me like a doormat." The late Pastor Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Because we could not do much, we have half resolved to do nothing." Low morale, poor workmanship and poor attitude is often the the norm for many officers.
As Christian police officers, we need to do our jobs with Jesus as our example. We need to remember that we came to serve (Matthew 20:28). We have to realize that God doesn't recognize police officers as heroes and God doesn't praise us for risking our lives for others in the communities we serve, but rather hopes to see us as His humble servants and sheepdogs protecting His sheep. We need to accept our roles that we have been placed in; we needn't whine when we don't get promoted or don't get assigned to that special unit; we needn't whine when we don't get that pat on the back. Rather, we are called to be like Paul, who, even while sitting in a prison, rejoiced in his circumstances that God had placed him in.
How are we supposed to accomplish this? Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Moreover, we can boldly ask God to anything so long as it is in accordance with His will. Matthew 7:7 tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Our faith in Jesus Christ needs to be strengthened through prayer. We need to say "Good Morning" to Him each day and "Good Night" to Him each night and to maintain communication with Him throughout each day, so that we can assure ourselves He will be there when we need the Holy Spirit to guide us in those split second decisions that are part of our daily routine. Spurgeon said, "The Spirit is said to do what only God can do, namely, to dwell in the hearts of all believers."
As servants and protectors, we need to follow John 13:34-35 "A new commandments I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This is of course impossible for those officers who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord, but it a command for Christian officers. Moreover, failure to forgive others their trespasses (sins, failings) will result in God not forgiving ours (Matthew 6:14-15).
So, how do you look at yourself? Are you a "hero" or a "doormat"? Are you a "servant" or do you desire to be "served"? Let Jesus Christ be your example. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
Amen!
_________________________________________________
National News, Prayer Requests, News & Announcements...
...are posted here on our website and updated regularly. This newsletter has also be re-posted on our Facebook pages (don't forget to "LIKE" and share with us there). Check back frequently!
_______________________________________________
Time to get back into the fray. As always, feel free to contact me if you need prayer, counsel, etc. Be safe but bold in the service of Christ our Captain.
Det. Sgt. & Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Vice President, Fellowship of Christiain Peace Officers - USA (www.FCPO.org)
This week we'll be on the east side of the metroplex for our monthly meeting at Calvary Chapel Aurora where I'll be sharing a message on the oft-misunderstood/misapplied passage from Matthew 7:1 which reads, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged." Many proclaim "Don't judge me!" However, what does this verse actually mean and what is the application? On Thursday we'll explore what our Lord Himself has to say based on context and the whole counsel of His word (you may be surprised...), along with an application to those of us serving in our God-ordained profession of law enforcement.
Invite a colleague, bring your spouse and join us. We'll start at 7 PM in Room 138/139 off the cafe (follow the signs). I'll of course post a detailed RECAP for everyone else in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned!
______________________________________________
Study RECAP
To Serve and Protect By Jim Wattles
Long before the slogan, "To Serve and Protect" emblazoned a patrol car, it was the motto of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The whole purpose of Jesus' life was to be our servant and willingly give His life on the cross for us -- the ultimate act of protection.
Jesus rebuked and taught His own disciples, after overhearing them disputing who among them was the greatest of Jesus's disciples. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus added more in Mark 10:44-45, "And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
As young police officers, I believe we all had the idea that we were servants and our job was to help those in need. But, what kind of attitude do you see in officers with 5-6 years on the job? I would bet most have hardened hearts due to the endless and senseless violence, sexual immorality, drugs and lack of support in the communities they serve. They find that their "heroic" efforts to rid their communities of crime have led to citizen complaints, disciplinary actions and probably a higher crime rate. The attitude of being a servant is very likely to have changed to that of being a "doormat". The late author and Bible teacher, Oswald Chambers, said in his book, 'My Utmost For His Highest', "If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people treat me like a doormat." The late Pastor Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Because we could not do much, we have half resolved to do nothing." Low morale, poor workmanship and poor attitude is often the the norm for many officers.
As Christian police officers, we need to do our jobs with Jesus as our example. We need to remember that we came to serve (Matthew 20:28). We have to realize that God doesn't recognize police officers as heroes and God doesn't praise us for risking our lives for others in the communities we serve, but rather hopes to see us as His humble servants and sheepdogs protecting His sheep. We need to accept our roles that we have been placed in; we needn't whine when we don't get promoted or don't get assigned to that special unit; we needn't whine when we don't get that pat on the back. Rather, we are called to be like Paul, who, even while sitting in a prison, rejoiced in his circumstances that God had placed him in.
How are we supposed to accomplish this? Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Moreover, we can boldly ask God to anything so long as it is in accordance with His will. Matthew 7:7 tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Our faith in Jesus Christ needs to be strengthened through prayer. We need to say "Good Morning" to Him each day and "Good Night" to Him each night and to maintain communication with Him throughout each day, so that we can assure ourselves He will be there when we need the Holy Spirit to guide us in those split second decisions that are part of our daily routine. Spurgeon said, "The Spirit is said to do what only God can do, namely, to dwell in the hearts of all believers."
As servants and protectors, we need to follow John 13:34-35 "A new commandments I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This is of course impossible for those officers who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord, but it a command for Christian officers. Moreover, failure to forgive others their trespasses (sins, failings) will result in God not forgiving ours (Matthew 6:14-15).
So, how do you look at yourself? Are you a "hero" or a "doormat"? Are you a "servant" or do you desire to be "served"? Let Jesus Christ be your example. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
Amen!
_________________________________________________
National News, Prayer Requests, News & Announcements...
...are posted here on our website and updated regularly. This newsletter has also be re-posted on our Facebook pages (don't forget to "LIKE" and share with us there). Check back frequently!
_______________________________________________
Time to get back into the fray. As always, feel free to contact me if you need prayer, counsel, etc. Be safe but bold in the service of Christ our Captain.
Det. Sgt. & Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Vice President, Fellowship of Christiain Peace Officers - USA (www.FCPO.org)
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