Understanding the True "Reason for the Season"

Here's the first in our 2018 CHRISTmas series:  Understanding the True "Reason for the Season."

MC

We Are NOT Defeated

For reference, and in the wake of the massacre of our own in Dallas (and the "War on Cops" in general), here's this week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (FCPO) newsletter and Bible study: We Are NOT Defeated!. As always, please feel free to use/adapt my messages for your own studies. Special thanks to Kristi Neace for the use of the title of one of her recent articles (link to it in the newsletter).

Never before have things been this rough...be sure you're right with God today while being radically bold in Christ.

MC

Who is the "Captain of Your Soul"?

This week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry and FCPO newsletter/Bible study has gone out to our email subscribers (FREE) and is posted on our Facebook pages as well but here again is Who is the Captain of Your Soul?. The answer to this question has eternal consequences and is one that can be joyously changed if you act accordingly. As usual, there are a a plethora of prayer requests, resources, announcements and more. Don't forget to share!

MC

Selecting Leaders God's Way

As usual, this week's newsletter and Bible study has gone out to our worldwide email subscribers (FREE) but here it is again in this format. This week's edition also includes my thoughts and that of others on this past week's Supreme Court decision on marriage. Don't forget to pass it on! "Selecting Leaders God's Way"

Blessings!

MC

A New Year's Arrest

My annual New Year's newsletter and Bible study message -- "A New Year's Arrest" -- has gone out to our worldwide list of email subscribers (always FREE for you) and is posted here as well. Have you allowed Christ to take your heart "under arrest?"

I pray that God will grant us all safe duty shifts over this annual drunk-fest along with a 2015 during which you will draw closer to God while also drawing others to Him. The time is short and the need is great -- "Code 3!"

Have a blessed and safe New Year!

MC

Counting the Cost

As always, this week's newsletter and Bible study has gone out to our worldwide list of subscribers via email (FREE). However, and because it also gives me yet another outreach op, here again is "Counting the Cost" with the prayer that you will find it useful in your own walk before passing it on to others. This week's edition also contains a plethora of additional resources, prayer requests and more.

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Let's stay the course and finish strong.

MC

Cops, Compromise & Christ

This week's newsletter has gone out to our worldwide list of email subscribers (FREE) and is posted on Facebook as well but here it is again in this format. Take the time to check out Kristi Neace's excellent article as well (not to mention the plethora of links, resources, prayer requests and more). Click on Cops, Compromise and Christ and don't forget to pass it on.

MC

A Cop's Marriage

The focus of this week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO newsletter and devotional/Bible study is marriage and law enforcement marriages in particular. I've included a plethora of resources in both the newsletter and here on our website ("eyes left/scroll down"). Just click on "A Cop's Marriage."

Speaking of, Rick and Kristi Neace of Badge of Hope Ministries (link in my newsletter and here on this site) are hosting their 2nd Annual "Spouse Academy" in Chattanooga, TN this weekend!

Finally, I've moved the Colorado-area law enforcement minsitry meeting schedules to their own space -- also on the left side of this site.

Let's make an extra effort to serve and protect our spouses and marriages today (gents -- we are to "pastor" our wives and families).

MC

Lessons Learned from 9/11

This week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO Newsletter has gone out to our worldwide list of subscribers (FREE) but, as always, here it is again: Lessons Learned From 9/11. The devotional comes courtesy of police wife Kristi Neace and serves as a great follow-up to last week's 9/11 newsletter. In addition, I included a link on how to get fellow FCPO National Board member Chuck Gilliland's newest police Bible study book. Lots of other news and resources as well.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

** Pray for us here in CO concerning the devastating flooding we're dealing with. More than 15000 homes are gone.

** Pray for the families and colleagues of those murdered and wounded in the Washington Naval Shipyard shooting, for the responding and investigating officers, and wisdom for those in our government. Very sad to know that are Armed Forces are generally left unarmed without the life-saving tools they deserve to defend themselves and others from our enemies both foreign and domestic.

Badge of Hope Seminar

The Arkansas City (KS) Police Department is hosting a Badge of Hope Law Enforcement Marriage Seminar on August 5th from 1300-1600 and August 6th from 0900 to 1200. Each session is identical. The seminar is offered on two different days to accommodate shift work. Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS are all encouraged to attend.

It’s no secret that divorce is huge within the public safety professions, not to mention PTSD, alcoholism, drug addiction and other types of stress-induced, destructive behaviors. Recognizing the effects that a public safety career can have on the family, Rick and Kristi Neace have spent the last five years talking to public safety officers and their spouses, public safety agencies, and reaching out through media and other means to spread a message of hope that relationships can be healed, and public safety marriages can and do last.

If interested, please enroll with Ashley at 620-441-4447. The class is free!

Badge of Hope Seminar Schedule

Monday, August 5th - 1-4 PM/Tuesday, August 6th - 9 AM -12 PM

1 - 1:30 PM/9 - 9:30 AM - LE Marriage 101 (Statistics; What marriage is supposed to look like; What they don't tell you in police academy, etc.)

1:30 - 2:00 PM/9:30 - 10 AM - The Communication Factor (Emotional shut-down; Dictatorship vs. Partnership; Defragmenting, Reconnecting, etc.)

Break

2:10 - 2:30 PM/10:10 - 10:30 AM - Manning the Walls (Shoring up the home front; Boundaries and personal armor)

2:30 - 3:00 PM/10:30 - 11 AM - Stress Effects on Marriage and the Family (Alcohol/prescription drug abuse; Violence; Isolation; Anxiety in children, etc.)

Break

3:10 - 4:00 PM/11:10 AM - 12 PM - *Round table Discussions: Officers with Cpl. Rick Neace & Spouses with Kristi Neace


--
Sean Wallace
Chief of Police
Arkansas City Police Department
117 W. Central Ave.
Arkansas City, KS. 67005
620-441-4447 (Office)
620-441-3767 (Cell)
620-442-1410 (FAX)
FBI NA Session 222

Urgent Prayer Requests

Updated November 4th, 2012

** Be in prayer for all those being impacted by Hurricane Sandy and for all the First Responders who are dealing with the fallout.

** We continue to lose officers in the line of duty, by their own hands, etc.  We lost two officers  to suicide here in CO this past week and now two Atlanta officers were killed last night.  See www.ODMP.org for more...and PRAY for their families and colleagues.  Moreover, let's have a "Code 3" sense of urgency in sharing and living Christ with our own.

**  Dep. Mike Dye in Florida sends the following:
"For my LEO family:  We've learned of an Orlando Officer and his family that are in need. While his wife was giving birth to their twin daughters this week, she passed away. He is left with nothing but the girls to raise on his own. We have also found out that they also have a 10 year old son. The Central Florida chapter of the FCPO along with Police Wife Life and Wives Behind the Badge are working on a baby drive to help this family out. Along with your love and prayers, we are asking that you send anything you can. Items needed are clothes and necessities for infants such as diapers, wipes and enfamil brand formula. All items and donations/gift cards can be accepted and we will make a delivery to this officer or his agency. Let me know what you can help out with and we will get a box going their way." 
Mike can be reached on Facebook or via email at mike.dye@christianlawenforcement.com. 

** Kristi Neace writes, "I would like to ask prayer for a fellow police wife who has been diagnosed with folicular lymphoma. Her husband works with Rick and they have three children. I believe God can heal this woman and do an amazing work in their midst, if we'll all just pray. Thanks."

** Update on those who have/have been praying for a KS chief who had neck surgery:  surgery seemed to go well and he is recovering.  However, not sleeping well due to pain.  Prayers appreciated. 

** Prayers are appreciated for the officers investigating the kidnapping and murder of Jessica Ridgeway.  Praise God, the 17 y.o. (Lord...) suspect is in custody.  Pray for his salvation and for Jessica's family.  


Got a prayer request for national publication?  Shoot me an email at fullarmor911@yahoo.com and I'll get it posted here.

New and Updated Prayer Requests

Please see previous posts (scroll down) for additional prayer requests.
Updated 02/07/2012

** From Maj. Tyson Kerr with the Sterling PD: “It is with great sadness that I send you this email, but I believe you all should be aware of the significant health condition regarding Chief Roy Breivik. On 01-27-12 he had an MRI, which revealed stage 4 cancer. He has the disease on his lung, liver, spine and hip joint. He also has a fractured back and hip, due to the cancer eating away at his bones. He will be undergoing further diagnosis and doctors are currently putting a plan together to fight the battle the Chief has ahead of him. The Chief and our department are in the early stages of dealing with this rapidly evolving and unexpected set of events. This will be an extremely difficult time, but we are all prepared to do whatever is necessary to be optimistic and deal with all the challenges that lie ahead." Let's keep the chief and his family in prayer!

** PRAISE REPORT on CSP Cadet Adam Williams: His father, Firestone PD Chief David Montgomery, writes on Facebook,
Adam has finally been discharged from the hospital. 20 days after admission he is finally getting to go home. However, he is not cleared to go back to the Colorado State Patrol Academy yet. He is still very weak and his muscles have not recovered. His creatinine level continues to fall, which means his kidneys are working and doing the job they a...re designed to do. He will still be monitored closely by the nephrologist, though, until he is satisfied the danger is over. They removed his central line today, so no more dialysis. When he will be allowed to return will be up to all his doctors. He still has quite a way to go as far as recovering from this whole ordeal, but getting out of the hospital is a huge step. Thank you again, to all of you who have been so kind and thoughtful to us throughout all of this. Let's continue to pray for Adam and the other cadets who suffered similarly.

** Wounded Dep. Art Peterson is facing more surgery. Please keep this warrior in prayer.

** We have an urgent prayer request for Officer Dax Davis with Cocoa Beach, Florida PD (also a Coast Guard Reservist), who is currently on life support from an off-duty vehicle accident. Please pray.

** Grant Wolf in TN forwarded the following two prayer requests:
Ofc. Nathan Bickerstaff, Red Oak TX PD, asks for prayer for his daughter-in-law, Bria Bickerstaff. She has cancer throughout her body – lungs, liver, bones and back. She and Nathan’s son, David, have three children. David works for the Ellis County TX Sheriff’s Office. Nathan contributed four stories to Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street.

Grant is also asking that we pray for Sgt. Eddie Henderson, Dothan AL PD, and his wife Brenda. Eddie currently is plagued with a cold and cough, but Brenda has been very ill since early December. She has been diagnosed with gastritis, but the medicine hasn’t been effective. Though she had had many tests, more are scheduled in the coming days. This is very wearing on both Eddie and Brenda, giving Satan an opportunity to cause discouragement.

** Chuck Scott writes (via FB), "Please pray for officer Josh Carter, he's an officer with Chowchilla PD...he was injured during a foot pursuit and has a dislocated shoulder and a broken scapula, he's the co- director of Code3 and one of my best friends...get well soon Josh."

** Pray for the daughter of a CBI agent who is suffering from mental health issues. Pray also for wisdom for her parents and the medical team.

-- Pray for another CBI agent who is dealing with multiple knee surgeries (possible career-ending issues) -- surgery is set for Tuesday, 02/07/2012. Pray also for his salvation and for a retired officer/current police chaplain who will be sharing Christ with him.

Updated Prayer Requests

So begins the first list of PRAYER REQUESTS in the New Year (more to follow -- check back frequently).

UPDATED 01/13/2012

** Retired DPD officer and current pastor and DPD chaplain Manny Hays is headed to Mexico on a mission trip. Please keep this radical Christian and those accompanying him in prayer.

** Ron Seney in Canada sends the following: I have an update on my prayer request for Catherine Robar, Chaplain of Bluenose Chapter of the Canadian Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (Nova Scotia). Catherine, (my Sister-in-Law) went through major throat surgery for the removal of an extensive network of cancer. She also endured radiation treatments that left her without the ability to speak and such a severe sore throat, that she could only eat soft foods. Well, once again our God is able! I am pleased to report an answer to prayer as an early offering for our international prayer chain in 2012. Last Sunday, Catherine led the service and delivered the message at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in West Northfield, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, (Episcopalian to you folks). Rev. Robar was a participant in our Conference 2011, in Bridgewater and many attending that conference will welcome that news. Best regards of the new year; Ron S. Seney, Regional Director (Atlantic) N.S., N.F. & P.E.I., FCPO Canada & Sr. Chaplain, ICPC. Praise God!

** An officer's son is undergoing surgery to deal with pancreatic cancer. Pray also for that the officer and his family will come to Christ.

** Pray for an Army and USMC vet (current/active duty Army) in GA who is suffering from PTSD.

** Gloria Roman-Martinez is the wife of 30 years of Denver PD Lt. Ernie Martinez. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and admitted to a Denver Hospital on December 30th, where she remains. Her diagnosis was later changed to a rare subset of Leukemia called Biphenotypic. She is undergoing chemo and will require a bone marrow transplant soon.
Please pray for Gloria, Ernie and their 3 children as they face this trial with God at their side.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gloriaromanmartinez

** The following was sent to chaplains Bill and Claudia Wolfe who in turn asked me to pass it on: Got a call at 0700 this morning telling me that one of my midnight rookies was critically injured at 0030 in an on-duty MVA. Conneticut Officer Todd Lentocha was on Route 2 off the roadway working a burglary detail. A pick-up truck slammed into his cruiser from behind totaling the car and rendering massive injuries. Todd was in the hospital having brain surgery due to a severely fractured skull earlier today. The news reports state he is "fighting for his life."

Todd is a 2 tour Iraqi Marine Corps Veteran and has a wife and 3 kids, one of whom is special needs. He is an outstanding street cop and I am praying for his recovery.

There is a prayer service going on for Todd this AM: See http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/tolland_cty/prayer-service-officer-todd-lentocha

** A LEO's spouse is set to have a hysterectomy on Jan. 23rd. Please keep her, her family and the medical team in prayer.

** Pray for FCPO President Paul Lee who will have back surgery on Thursday, Jan. 5th (healing, recovery, pain management, etc.). UPDATE: Notified that Paul is in recovery...more to follow.

** Milwaukee PD Officer Frank Vrtochnick is still in critical condition this morning and he faces another surgery today. His strength has been an inspiration to the entire Milwaukee Police Department and to the community. Even though the suspect has been charged, Frank's fight continues. His family is grateful for all the support from the Milwaukee Police family, friends and, as they coined them, "the friends we haven't met yet..." Let's pray!
UPDATE: Frank has been upgraded from critical to serious but still has a long way to go. His assailant -- apparently an ILLEGAL alien -- was arrested before he could board a bus bound for Mexico. Let's continue to pray for Frank. See http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-20120103-alvarado-search-warrants,0,1255822.story

** Kristi Neace in MO sends the following: "Had to have my dad taken to the hospital for safe keeping and observation. He has dementia and it has finally turned completely ugly. Weighing all the options now. Pray for my mom as she goes through hard days ahead."

** Pray for a veteran San Antonio Park Police officer who is fighting cancer and working light duty while doing so.

** Dick Murphey, a retired officer and one of the early board members for FCPO, is asking that we be in prayer for his wife of 60 years as she prepares to make her journey home to be with the Lord in the coming days. Pray also for Dick and his family in this time of both joy and sadness.

** Please know that this is NOT a football request (I'm not a big Broncos fan) but rather that we need to be in prayer for Tim Tebow. This godly young man is being continually vilified for his outspoken faith (he sets a great example for us) and the enemy is working OT against him. Many may come to Christ due to Tim's example -- win or lose. Here is but one example of the persecution he is receiving for living his faith in the way God is calling all of us to: www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1503986

** US Fish & Wildlife Agent Leo Suazo writes, "My Dad was diagnosed last Wednesday with multiple myeloma stage III. He is also in stage 5 renial failure. We have been told a month or two? Who knows but God. After I told my Dad what he was facing, My Dad said "We all have to go through this Valley and I am ready" What words of courage!! My Dad has always been My Hero! It will be an honor to see my Dad home!! Janell and I thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers! It is our faith, family and friends that will see us though this valley!"

** Please pray for FL Officer Chris Dye, brother of FL Dep./Det. and fellow FCPO Nat. Board member Mike Dye. Chris is facing serious issues stemming from a duty-related incident.

** Arkansas City, KS Police Chief Sean Wallace sends this: "The wife of one of my officers had simple back surgery about a month ago. She was recovering fine and then she got a staff infection (mersa). It abscessed and damaged some nerve endings and now it is possible she might not walk at least normally again. They are trying to knock the down the infection so she can do physical therapy, but it is taking longer than expected. Her leave runs out January 6, 2012 and her pay check will stop. They rely on her pay check as well as Tom's to get by. So a lot to pray for there but most of all for healing. We need a miracle."

** The Board Members of Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA (www.FCPO.org) -- of which I am one -- request prayer for ourselves and our loved ones reference a myriad of issues. We very much covet your prayer support.

Centurion Ministry Christmas Newsletter

Fellow Sheepdogs:

I trust that this week’s newsletter finds you anticipating the celebration of what we call “Christmas.” Accordingly, I shared a special Christmas message at last week’s Centurion Ministry/FCPO-Denver “cop church” fellowship. The recap is posted below – I encourage you to read it, pray about it, and respond accordingly.

I’ve posted the latest PRAYER REQUESTS, announcements, local meeting schedules and more here on our website (next post below). Please take the time to join us in praying for our own (in the last week alone we’ve lost another seven officers – one a day – and there is a fellow warrior fighting for his life in Minnesota). Don’t forget that we are NOT meeting tonight (12/22) but will be back for our final 2011 fellowship on December 29th.

This is also the time of year that I humbly ask that you consider a year-end gift to both this ministry and to the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers. Info on how to donate to The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry can be found here on our website (scroll down left side) while details on joining or giving to the FCPO can be found at www.FCPO.org. With that..


Message RECAP: A Cop’s Christmas

My goal for this year’s Christmas study was (is) to focus your attention on the fact that the real message of Christ’s birth has very little in common with our modern celebration. That said, there is in fact a “warm and fuzzy” component along with the very serious nature of Christ’s ultimate “call for service” here on Earth.

Our text for the “warm and fuzzy” side is Matthew 1:18-23. The passage includes the name “Immanuel” which in the Hebrew consists of two words -- ‘El, meaning 'God' and ʻImmānū, meaning 'with us’ (or ‘came to us’ in some usages). The TRUE MESSAGE of Christmas is God with us! This is indeed part of the message that this sin-sick world needs to hear – God is with us! It is also a message that we in law enforcement must cling to – God IS with us.

But then there is the other side – a proverbial “the rest of the story.” Continue in Matthew 2:1-18 with the underlying context of Jeremiah 31. Here we see an incredibly wicked and paranoid king -- Herod “the Great” -- sending out his secret “police” with an illegal order to savagely murder every “innocent” male child born in the Bethlehem region during the previous two years. No warrants, no court of appeal, no stay of execution, no announcement of any kind. Imagine those officers going home to their own wives and kids and hearing, “What did you do today, Honey?”

Amidst the joy of Christ’s coming is the reality that He came into a very wicked world under the most humblest of circumstances to carry out the ultimate “mission from God.” In the fullness of time and in accordance with the Father’s perfect will, the Christ-child would stand as a grown man before Herod’s son, Herod Antipas, before horrendously shedding His own innocent blood to save both the children who were murdered after His human birth and YOU today. Again, Matthew 1:21 tells us that Jesus came to “save His people from their sins” by dying as an innocent sacrifice on the cross (“Christmas tree”) of Calvary.

Yes, the birth of our Lord was and is a joyous occasion but it was the birth of the Savior that would later result in cops being sent out to slaughter innocent children and officers who would ultimately torture and nail our innocent Lord to a “tree” (cross) thirty-plus years later. This is the reality of “a cop’s Christmas.”

Many of us will say that we are NOT the same kind of cops – that we are “good” – better and more “righteous” than our predecessors. Really? Not by God’s standard! I again strongly encourage you to take the “Good Person Test” found on our Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers website (www.fcpo.org/christian.html). How did you do?

Folks we must understand that we are no less guilty before our Lord than those wicked officers who slew innocent children two years after His human birth or those who nailed Him to the cross. Again I implore you – turn (repent) FROM your sin and TO the only One who can save you. Like the command we give on a felony stop, “Do it NOW!” as tomorrow may very well be too late. There are no second chances for those who perish in this life without the assurance that comes from a right relationship with God in Christ and we most assuredly will not be able to “badge” our way into Heaven. I want to spend eternity with my fellow warriors with our true King. Please – I beg you – turn to Him today!

Finally, for that person – that officer – who claims to have made a confession of faith but is living a life without any real evidence of a changed, sanctified life, please set aside an hour to watch the following powerful message from Pastor Paul Washer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8. Consider carefully where you stand!

___________________________

A great many of us will in fact be working over the Christmas holiday – separated from our loved ones for a time to answer God’s call on us to “protect and serve.” Let me encourage you to answer that call as true Christian warriors by going out of your way to do your duty with Christmas in your hearts and on your lips. Speaking of, and in the spirit of the season, check out this special piece of God-inspired fiction written by law enforcement spouse, author and speaker Kristi Neace that reveals Christmas from an officer’s perspective: http://www.kristineace.com/2011/12/walking-the-bethlehem-beat-2/

I’ll close this week’s “Cop’s Christmas” Newsletter with the following from Dr. Michael Youseff in a devotional he entitled, The Reason We Say "Merry Christmas!"


Today, there are professing Christians who believe that being a good person is the path to salvation. They do not feel like they need salvation because their sins are nominal. It is enough that they attend church and have never committed "major" sins. They are perishing as they believe a lie.

The Bible says that every one of the six billion people living today was born with sin. This sin was passed along to us genetically from Adam and Eve--the root of a sin system that exists in every person. Like Adam and Eve, we want to do things our way. We want to stay in charge of our lives while paying God lip service. We justify our sin and minimize its consequences. We hide from God and others in our shame. Instead of confessing our sin and turning to a loving God for deliverance, we cling to the bitter roots of the poisonous fruit of sin and we perish in that sin.

God sent His Son Jesus to deliver us from all our sins. God knows we cannot do this through our own works or devices. We can only be made perfect and whole through faith in the finished work of our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.

At Christmas, we celebrate the Savior's birth. The perfect, sinless Son of God came from heaven, lived the most difficult of lives, and died on the cross. He shed His blood and rose again on the third day to prove His power over death and sin.

We say, "Merry Christmas" because we know that our sins--past, present, and future--are all forgiven when we come to Jesus Christ. His birth, death, and resurrection have brought us peace with God as His plan of redemption has shown goodwill toward men. It is a gift we celebrate, not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives.

Prayer: Father, thank You that every time I say the words, "Merry Christmas," I am reminded of what You did for me and for Your gift to the world. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Merry CHRISTmas indeed, my brothers and sisters!

PTSD -- A Biblical Perspetive and Approach: TCLEM Newsletter

Brothers and Sisters of "The Sword":

Hope this week finds you staying the course as we lead (serve) and protect in accordance with our God-given call and commission as revealed in God’s inerrant word (Romans 13:1-4).

Right off, we had an outstanding study/fellowship in Aurora last week where I taught on “Cops & Marriage” (aka “Taking a Stand for Marriage”). Police wife and sister-in-ministry Kristi Neace provided an outstanding template that I adapted to our specific needs (I encourage you to do the same). Scroll down for the message RECAP and link to her website.

This week we’ll be switching gears as I tackle the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder -- PTSD -- in law enforcement and the military from a thoroughly biblical perspective. I will undoubtedly ruffle more than a few feathers inasmuch as God's approach to dealing with this issue is radically different than the one presented in secular psychology/psychiatry. Please join us if you’re in the Denver area (Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton – www.CalvaryCSD.org for directions). For everyone else I’ll present a detailed recap with resources in next week’s newsletter that you can adapt for your own use (including your law enforcement Bible studies/FCPO chapters in your area of the country/world).

Don’t forget to check this website frequently for the latest prayer requests, Denver-area meeting schedules, info on other studies around the country (see especially our Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers chapters listed on our website – www.fcpo.org), and a plethora of outstanding resources.

_______________________

2011 Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference!

Speaking of the FCPO, our 2011 FCPO National Conference is rapidly approaching (October 7-9 in Chicago, IL). We’ll again have an outstanding group of speakers including but not limited to the aforementioned Kristi Neace (Bring your wives!!) and Marine/police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (www.rayfairman.com). The complete program will be available soon but prayerfully consider joining us in the Windy City this October!

_______________________

Message RECAP: Standing Courageous: As Officers, as Spouses


Readers of our website and newsletter know how strongly I am recommending the upcoming film Courageous (coming to a theater near you on September 30th). Without giving everything away, we have a serious problem in our profession when it comes to marriage. With the stresses of the job on both officers and family along with rampant adultery (SIN), alcoholism (SIN) and a host of other issues, we are seeing a divorce (SIN) rate of up to 85 percent.

The famous 20th Century preacher Dr. Peter Marshall was quoted as saying, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Country singer Aaron Tippin wrote it into what became one of my favorite country songs (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hja0XND8Ms).

What does it mean to stand? We often take our everyday words at less than face value, so I looked up the meaning in the dictionary. According to Webster’s, stand means: “to be, become, or remain upright, rigid or still; to have or take a position; to endure, bear, tolerate; withstand, to undergo.”

Kristi points out that as officers and spouses – men and women, we are to stand:

(1) For our marriages.
(2) For what is right in our departments, our communities, our churches, and our nation.
(3) In the gap when our partners are away as parent, caretaker, administrator, etc.
(4) In our homes as examples to our children/grandchildren.
(5) In awe of God.

Kristi writes, “To stand is a choice. To stand is a calling.” Amen to that! The following passages form a biblical foundation for Kristi’s work:

Isaiah 7:9 “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Proverbs 31:10-12 “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Ecclesiastes 5:7 “Therefore stand in awe of God.”
AND
Habakkuk 3:2 “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.”

In closing, Kristi writes, “Let me encourage you to stand courageous in this life so that even battered or bruised, our lives will shine forth as a banner of God’s goodness to all those who see us."

I strongly encourage you to go to www.kristineace.com and digest her teaching on these five powerful points. Folks, as Christian officers and spouses we must – MUST – take a stand for our marriages and families. Have you taken your stand? If not, why not? It’s time. As we exclaim on a felony stop – DO IT NOW!


Stay safe out there, lead from the front, and STAND firm in Christ!

Standing Courageous as Cops & Spouses: TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter

Fellow Servant-Warriors:

How goes the fight? Both spiritually and professionally, the question begs to be asked, “Are you in the battle or hiding on the sidelines?” My prayer and encouragement for all of you, regardless of your situation, is that you be true doers of the word (James 1:22-25) and not just ROD (“retired on duty”) Christians or cops sitting in a “pew” or otherwise laying low and trying to avoid any end-of-shift action (aka, the "sideline”). Folks, the time is short and God is looking for men and women who will place their trust in Him and stand courageous in the heat of battle with the comforting knowledge that He will fight for us (Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalm 44:6-8 -- we not only can’t do it on our own, we are not to even attempt it) if we will but trust Him to do so!

STANDING COURAGEOUS as Cops and as Spouses (aka “Taking a Biblical Stand for Marriage and Family”)

Those of us who have had the privilege of viewing one of the special premiers of the movie Courageous (coming September 30th – www.courageousthemovie.com) and have been following our posts know that this film has a great deal to say about our profession and about us as leaders, spouses and parents. In addition, author and speaker Kristi Neace – the wife of cop’s cop Rick Neace in Missouri – just finished an outstanding series on police marriages. According, I’ll be taking something from each along with a good bit of my own material for this week’s (Thursday, July 21, Calvary Chapel Aurora) profession-relevant Bible study. Not the easiest study I’ve done but God is stretching me just as He is urging me to stretch you. Please join us if you’re in the area and I’ll post a detailed RECAP in next week’s newsletter that you can adapt for your own studies. Stay tuned!

WHAT’S YOUR “F-150”?

Speaking of both the recap, doers, and standing courageous, I opened last week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry outreach to the public for special guest speaker Trooper Scott Hinshaw of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). Needless to say, Scott did not disappoint. The Holy Spirit was truly moving and Scotty’s powerful testimony resonated with all and left many in tears (myself included). Scott’s wife Susan also shared her heart and touched us deeply. Those of you from outside Colorado (meaning most of you) who have the good fortune to own a copy of Grant Wolf’s outstanding compilation Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street (http://copsonthestreet.com/) will recognize Scott from the devotional I wrote for the March 30th entry. Scott’s story is truly one of faith and courage in overcoming the horrendous physical and psychological injuries he sustained in the same October 2007 incident that tragically took the life of fellow CSP Trooper Zach Templeton. Using an analogy that the Ford Motor Company would probably not appreciate, Scott utilized the image of the F-150 pickup that barreled into them that October afternoon to teach the thoroughly biblical (1 Peter 5:8-10, James 1:12-15) lesson that ALL of us have an “F-150” in our lives: serious illness, LOD injuries, PTSD, working or living under leadership that falls far short of servant model Christ gave us, alcohol, pornography, the death of a colleague or loved one and so much more.

God used Scott and Susan in an incredibly powerful way to ask this all-important question: Is Jesus the Lord of your F-150 or are you still behind the wheel? Scott revealed that it was while lying mangled under that F-150 with Zack dying at his side that he finally made the life-saving/life-changing decision to yield and make Christ his Lord and Savior. Moreover, God used Scott’s F-150 to lead the young man driving it to Christ and to open a ministry avenue for Scott to share God’s love and plan with others. Finally, after more than three years of pain, surgeries and rehab, our loving LORD has lifted that F-150 off of Scott and restored him to full active duty with the Patrol. (hmm, I see a book coming…)

I would be remiss if I failed to point out that Scott and Susan felt so strongly about sharing with us that they kept their speaking engagement in spite of the news only hours before that Susan’s mom passed away and her father was hospitalized after a heart attack (he was stable and Susan and Scott left for California right after the service). Please keep Susan and their family in prayer.
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PRAYER REQUESTS (and MEETING SCHEDULES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, etc.) are posted here on our website and are updated regularly. Please join us in praying for our own.

** I will be teaching on the biblical approach to dealing with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -- PTSD (law enforcement and military) and related issues at our July 28th meeting. More to come and I’ll post my usual detailed recap and resource list for everyone else around the country in the following week’s newsletter – stay tuned. Invite a friend or colleague and join us.
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METRO-DENVER NEWS:

** Don’t forget that there is no regular meeting on August 4th. Rather, I’m encouraging everyone to attend the special Joel Rosenberg event at Calvary South Denver. See www.ministryarchitecture.com for more details.

As usual, I'll be there to provide security/protection for Joel and if you are part of FCPO-Denver and a current or retired officer with the authority to carry off-duty and are interested in helping us in that capacity (Joel draws a full house and his message may draw those who would seek to prevent it) please shoot me an email.

** Calvary South Denver Pastor Bob O’Fee is now a CSP Chaplain – CONGRATS!
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That’s a wrap for this week folks. Let’s stay frosty in Christ!