Closing out this Memorial Day weekend with a newsletter/Bible study dedicated to God's perspective on Memorial Day: Memorial Day From God's Perspective. Please share! Blessings.
MC
Showing posts with label Memorial Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memorial Day. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2015
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day Message
Brothers & Sisters of the Sword:
This Memorial Day, we honour all our fellow warriors – law enforcement and military – who gave "all” or "some" in defense of our nation. Please remember the families and colleagues of the fallen in your prayers. This day I also honour the memory of my own father -- CMSgt. Lonie C. Williams, Jr. -- who served in the military for thirty years plus another seventeen doing the same job in DOD Civil Service. His military service included two tours in Vietnam and he was the last American to leave Iwo Jima when we returned it to Japan in 1968. The flag Dad removed from the pole on Mt. Suribachi (see http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Mt_Suribachi_memorial_Iwo_Jima.jpg) still flies today at my parent’s home in Texas. Dad went to be with the Lord just under a year ago and I would ask your prayers for my mother as the pain of his death is still very fresh for her.
That said, what is central for us who know Christ as Lord and Savior is that we must take on a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel message with both those we serve and those we serve with. What makes my father’s sacrifice truly significant is the assurance that Dad is NOW with the Lord because -- some years ago – he turned and said “yes” to Christ. I can think of no greater tragedy than for a fellow warrior to end this life without the assurance of spending eternity with our Lord (what it means to be “saved”). As I’ve pointed out numerous times before, our service does NOT provide a “get out of jail” (hell) pass! On the contrary, God’s word is very clear that ONLY those who repent of their sins and are “born again” in Christ will be saved. If YOU have not already made a decision for Christ or are living a life that is anything short of being 100 percent sold-out for Him, then I urge you to get right with our Lord today. See the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link right here on our website or contact me directly and I’ll be honored to help you take that step. God's word (Bible) clearly tells us that there are NO second chances once this life ends. In accordance with Joshua 24:15, “…choose this day whom you will serve…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. “ What say YOU?
In keeping with today’s holiday, I will be teaching a special Memorial Day message at this Thursday’s (June 3rd) Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry meeting starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. In addition, we will have a special visitor in the person of noted Marine, police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/). Ray plans to stop by while on vacation from Georgia and I’ll set time aside for our fellow warrior to share some of his remarkable testimony. Please join us and don’t forget to pass the word to your friends and colleagues.
Finally (and speaking of honoring and remembering our own on Memorial Day), pastor and police chaplain Lonnie Trujillo passed along the following: "Thought I'd let you know that Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman retired yesterday after 39 years of law enforcement service being a point man, serving his fellow man, called by God, sharing the gospel of Jesus." Mark led a Peace Officers for Christ International (POFCI) chapter in Denver for a number of years and our brother still has much work to do in our Lord’s service. Let’s keep Mark in prayer as he seeks God’s will and direction for the next chapter in his earthly life.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s discussion centered on the topic of “why God allows trials and tribulations” in our lives. Why would a loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, injury, disease, hardships, worry and fear? What about all the carnage and evil we see as cops? Doesn’t loving us mean that God wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? The issue of sin aside (I'll come back to it) and inasmuch as the Christian life is one that should be lead in accordance with God’s word (the Bible), the answer is “NO.” For the believer (Christian), ALL trials and tribulations ("TNT") have a specific purpose in accordance with His perfect plan and will. Here are the main points:
(1) God’s ultimate purpose is for us to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The way trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7.
(2) Trials develop godly character and we are called to REJOICE in them (Romans 5:3-5, 8; Romans 8:37). Oswald Chambers, on the subject of “spiritual SURFING,” wrote, “The wave that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super JOY of going clean through it. These very things – tribulation, distress, persecution – produce in us super-joy; they are NOT things to fight. We are “more than conquerors”...the saint (Christian) knows the joy of the Lord not in spite of the tribulation but BECAUSE of it.”
(3) Persevering through TNT proves our faith (Philippians 4:13).
(4) Sin has consequences and God will most definitely discipline His own (1 Peter 4:15; Hebrews 12:1-11; Deuteronomy 8:2-5).
(5) TNT come with both a purpose and a reward (James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
(6) TNT help us to grow and mature in Christ (James 1:2-4).
(7) God will comfort us in our troubles (II Corinthians 1:4).
(8) There is no better time to serve others than in the midst of our own suffering and troubles (Luke 6:38). We should also understand that there are others are dealing with as much or more than we are and that Christ suffered the most of all.
MEETING SCHEDULE for our locals and visitors:
(1) Thursday, June 3rd, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, Multi-Purpose room (big room just inside the main entrance), 9052 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128.
(2) Thursday, June 10, same time/location as #1 above.
(3) Thursday, June 17, same time/location as #1 above.
PRAYER REQUESTS are updated and posted here on our website. That said – Memorial Day should be a reminder to pray for this nation and the leaders who have drifted away from the biblical principles on which our country was founded. II Chronicles 7:14 reads, “If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and TURN from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer, forgive their sins, and heal their country.”
Stay the course!
This Memorial Day, we honour all our fellow warriors – law enforcement and military – who gave "all” or "some" in defense of our nation. Please remember the families and colleagues of the fallen in your prayers. This day I also honour the memory of my own father -- CMSgt. Lonie C. Williams, Jr. -- who served in the military for thirty years plus another seventeen doing the same job in DOD Civil Service. His military service included two tours in Vietnam and he was the last American to leave Iwo Jima when we returned it to Japan in 1968. The flag Dad removed from the pole on Mt. Suribachi (see http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Mt_Suribachi_memorial_Iwo_Jima.jpg) still flies today at my parent’s home in Texas. Dad went to be with the Lord just under a year ago and I would ask your prayers for my mother as the pain of his death is still very fresh for her.
That said, what is central for us who know Christ as Lord and Savior is that we must take on a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel message with both those we serve and those we serve with. What makes my father’s sacrifice truly significant is the assurance that Dad is NOW with the Lord because -- some years ago – he turned and said “yes” to Christ. I can think of no greater tragedy than for a fellow warrior to end this life without the assurance of spending eternity with our Lord (what it means to be “saved”). As I’ve pointed out numerous times before, our service does NOT provide a “get out of jail” (hell) pass! On the contrary, God’s word is very clear that ONLY those who repent of their sins and are “born again” in Christ will be saved. If YOU have not already made a decision for Christ or are living a life that is anything short of being 100 percent sold-out for Him, then I urge you to get right with our Lord today. See the “How to Know Christ as Savior” link right here on our website or contact me directly and I’ll be honored to help you take that step. God's word (Bible) clearly tells us that there are NO second chances once this life ends. In accordance with Joshua 24:15, “…choose this day whom you will serve…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. “ What say YOU?
In keeping with today’s holiday, I will be teaching a special Memorial Day message at this Thursday’s (June 3rd) Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry meeting starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. In addition, we will have a special visitor in the person of noted Marine, police officer and chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/). Ray plans to stop by while on vacation from Georgia and I’ll set time aside for our fellow warrior to share some of his remarkable testimony. Please join us and don’t forget to pass the word to your friends and colleagues.
Finally (and speaking of honoring and remembering our own on Memorial Day), pastor and police chaplain Lonnie Trujillo passed along the following: "Thought I'd let you know that Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman retired yesterday after 39 years of law enforcement service being a point man, serving his fellow man, called by God, sharing the gospel of Jesus." Mark led a Peace Officers for Christ International (POFCI) chapter in Denver for a number of years and our brother still has much work to do in our Lord’s service. Let’s keep Mark in prayer as he seeks God’s will and direction for the next chapter in his earthly life.
MESSAGE RECAP:
Last week’s discussion centered on the topic of “why God allows trials and tribulations” in our lives. Why would a loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, injury, disease, hardships, worry and fear? What about all the carnage and evil we see as cops? Doesn’t loving us mean that God wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? The issue of sin aside (I'll come back to it) and inasmuch as the Christian life is one that should be lead in accordance with God’s word (the Bible), the answer is “NO.” For the believer (Christian), ALL trials and tribulations ("TNT") have a specific purpose in accordance with His perfect plan and will. Here are the main points:
(1) God’s ultimate purpose is for us to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The way trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7.
(2) Trials develop godly character and we are called to REJOICE in them (Romans 5:3-5, 8; Romans 8:37). Oswald Chambers, on the subject of “spiritual SURFING,” wrote, “The wave that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super JOY of going clean through it. These very things – tribulation, distress, persecution – produce in us super-joy; they are NOT things to fight. We are “more than conquerors”...the saint (Christian) knows the joy of the Lord not in spite of the tribulation but BECAUSE of it.”
(3) Persevering through TNT proves our faith (Philippians 4:13).
(4) Sin has consequences and God will most definitely discipline His own (1 Peter 4:15; Hebrews 12:1-11; Deuteronomy 8:2-5).
(5) TNT come with both a purpose and a reward (James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
(6) TNT help us to grow and mature in Christ (James 1:2-4).
(7) God will comfort us in our troubles (II Corinthians 1:4).
(8) There is no better time to serve others than in the midst of our own suffering and troubles (Luke 6:38). We should also understand that there are others are dealing with as much or more than we are and that Christ suffered the most of all.
MEETING SCHEDULE for our locals and visitors:
(1) Thursday, June 3rd, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver, Multi-Purpose room (big room just inside the main entrance), 9052 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128.
(2) Thursday, June 10, same time/location as #1 above.
(3) Thursday, June 17, same time/location as #1 above.
PRAYER REQUESTS are updated and posted here on our website. That said – Memorial Day should be a reminder to pray for this nation and the leaders who have drifted away from the biblical principles on which our country was founded. II Chronicles 7:14 reads, “If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and TURN from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer, forgive their sins, and heal their country.”
Stay the course!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Lesson in Leadership
Dear Fellow Sheepdogs & Shepherds:
I’ve recovered sufficiently from my surgery to be back teaching at this week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship meeting where I will be presenting a message on how we should be looking at the trials and tribulations that are ESSENTIAL aspects of a Christian's life and “training.” Essential? Many will no doubt read this and say “What!?” Yes – they are absolutely essential. Join us and learn what God has to say on very profession (and life)-relevant subject.
As usual, I will present a recap in next week’s newsletter (also posted on our website) for all our readers who reside outside the Denver metro area or could not make the meeting. That said, if you are in fact a “local” or are visiting Colorado, please make every effort to join us tomorrow starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton to participate in this important profession-relevant presentation. Lastly, don’t forget to pass this email on to your colleagues and friends.
Speaking of message RECAPs, Colorado State Investigator Jim Wattles presented a superb lesson in Christian leadership as it applies to the law enforcement profession at last week's meeting. Jimmy’s introduction to the topic focused on an example of failed leadership in the person of Saul as detailed in 1 Samuel 10-15. Jim summed up God’s lesson for us in these passages as follows:
(1) Saul was successful when he sought, honored and obeyed God. Unfortunately, Saul strayed from the path God set for him.
(2) Continued disobedience left Saul unable to use the “spirit of the Lord” and he misused the power God gave him, resulting in his being removed from authority and ultimately his death.
(3) Through Saul’s example, God is telling us that we can either elect (yes, we have a choice) to do things our own way -- with Saul-like consequences -- or to seek His perfect plan for our lives through prayer, the study of His word (the Bible) and obedience to same.
Jim then laid out the biblical aspects of a true Christian leader:
(1) A Christian leader must have a true and faithful relationship with the Lord (Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.).
(2) True leaders must think of themselves as servants (John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.).
(3) Speaking of shepherds: 1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
(4) A leader shows others the way (1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ).
(5) A leader will strengthen the group with compassion, patience and encouragement (Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.).
(6) A leader must give fair discipline (Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects).
(7) A leader must give the group authority to succeed and accomplish their common goals (Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.).
(8) Those who fail to lead will have nobody following them (Matthew 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.).
(9) A leader is prepared to forgive and move on (Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.).
(10) A leader must be have his confidence in Christ (Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, the LORD is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?).
Take note: a great deal of the misery so common to our profession stems from poor leadership! "Outstanding job Jim…much appreciated. "
Speaking of VISITORS, and lessons in LEADERSHIP, I’m excited to announce that former Marine (really no such thing as a former Marine), police officer and current chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (see http://www.rayfairman.com/ ) from Georgia will be coming through Colorado on vacation and will join us at our June 3rd meeting. I’ll save plenty of time for Ray to share some of testimony with us. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for more!
MEETING UPDATE:
NOTE: We're back in our original location (the big Multi-Purpose Room right next to the information desk as in walk in the main entrance) for at least the summer!
(1) Thursday, May 27th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Littleton, CO.
(2) Thursday, June 3rd -- same time/place as above. Col. Ray Fairman will be our guest -- stay tuned for more details!
(3) Thursday, June 10th -- same time/place as in item above.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Pray unceasingly -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
(1) Englewood PD Officer Jason Pearson asks that we be in pray for our brother and sister officers in Detroit. As many are aware, Detroit’s PD is in the midst of a tragic mess and there are some evil folks attempting to use the situation there to stir up considerable trouble and unrest. Both DPD and the community they serve need prayer and support. See www.policeone.com/legal/articles/2065952-Family-of-girl-who-died-in-in-raid-sues-Detroit-PD/.
(2) Thanks again for all who have been praying for me regarding my recent surgery. Praise God, I’m healing well although still a bit weak and tired. Please keep me in prayer for a quick and complete recovery. I go back to work next Tuesday.
(3) We’ve had another rough week in terms of line-of-duty “officer down” issues: another six in the last week alone. Please go to http://www.odmp.org/ and take time out to pray for the families and colleagues of these fallen heroes who “gave all.” Secondly, we need to have a sense of urgency about sharing the Gospel message with our brothers/sisters-in-arms. We must all come to Christ the same way folks!
(4) Finally, with Memorial Day weekend upon us, let’s take extra care out there – including praying before your shifts, giving thanks after, and remembering to pray for our country, our military, fellow officers and leadership.
While I know many us will be working extra hours, please MAKE time to worship with your family in a solid Bible-teaching church (fellowship is NOT optional – it is a command from our Lord) this weekend. Let’s also not forget to thank our Vets and fly our colors as well.
I am blessed to count myself among you -- let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84 ) with honor!
I’ve recovered sufficiently from my surgery to be back teaching at this week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry fellowship meeting where I will be presenting a message on how we should be looking at the trials and tribulations that are ESSENTIAL aspects of a Christian's life and “training.” Essential? Many will no doubt read this and say “What!?” Yes – they are absolutely essential. Join us and learn what God has to say on very profession (and life)-relevant subject.
As usual, I will present a recap in next week’s newsletter (also posted on our website) for all our readers who reside outside the Denver metro area or could not make the meeting. That said, if you are in fact a “local” or are visiting Colorado, please make every effort to join us tomorrow starting at 1900 hours at Calvary South Denver in Littleton to participate in this important profession-relevant presentation. Lastly, don’t forget to pass this email on to your colleagues and friends.
Speaking of message RECAPs, Colorado State Investigator Jim Wattles presented a superb lesson in Christian leadership as it applies to the law enforcement profession at last week's meeting. Jimmy’s introduction to the topic focused on an example of failed leadership in the person of Saul as detailed in 1 Samuel 10-15. Jim summed up God’s lesson for us in these passages as follows:
(1) Saul was successful when he sought, honored and obeyed God. Unfortunately, Saul strayed from the path God set for him.
(2) Continued disobedience left Saul unable to use the “spirit of the Lord” and he misused the power God gave him, resulting in his being removed from authority and ultimately his death.
(3) Through Saul’s example, God is telling us that we can either elect (yes, we have a choice) to do things our own way -- with Saul-like consequences -- or to seek His perfect plan for our lives through prayer, the study of His word (the Bible) and obedience to same.
Jim then laid out the biblical aspects of a true Christian leader:
(1) A Christian leader must have a true and faithful relationship with the Lord (Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.).
(2) True leaders must think of themselves as servants (John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.).
(3) Speaking of shepherds: 1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
(4) A leader shows others the way (1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ).
(5) A leader will strengthen the group with compassion, patience and encouragement (Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.).
(6) A leader must give fair discipline (Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects).
(7) A leader must give the group authority to succeed and accomplish their common goals (Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.).
(8) Those who fail to lead will have nobody following them (Matthew 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.).
(9) A leader is prepared to forgive and move on (Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.).
(10) A leader must be have his confidence in Christ (Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, the LORD is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?).
Take note: a great deal of the misery so common to our profession stems from poor leadership! "Outstanding job Jim…much appreciated. "
Speaking of VISITORS, and lessons in LEADERSHIP, I’m excited to announce that former Marine (really no such thing as a former Marine), police officer and current chaplain Col. Ray Fairman (see http://www.rayfairman.com/ ) from Georgia will be coming through Colorado on vacation and will join us at our June 3rd meeting. I’ll save plenty of time for Ray to share some of testimony with us. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for more!
MEETING UPDATE:
NOTE: We're back in our original location (the big Multi-Purpose Room right next to the information desk as in walk in the main entrance) for at least the summer!
(1) Thursday, May 27th, 1900 hours, Calvary South Denver (http://www.calvarycsd.org/ for directions), Littleton, CO.
(2) Thursday, June 3rd -- same time/place as above. Col. Ray Fairman will be our guest -- stay tuned for more details!
(3) Thursday, June 10th -- same time/place as in item above.
PRAYER REQUESTS (Pray unceasingly -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
(1) Englewood PD Officer Jason Pearson asks that we be in pray for our brother and sister officers in Detroit. As many are aware, Detroit’s PD is in the midst of a tragic mess and there are some evil folks attempting to use the situation there to stir up considerable trouble and unrest. Both DPD and the community they serve need prayer and support. See www.policeone.com/legal/articles/2065952-Family-of-girl-who-died-in-in-raid-sues-Detroit-PD/.
(2) Thanks again for all who have been praying for me regarding my recent surgery. Praise God, I’m healing well although still a bit weak and tired. Please keep me in prayer for a quick and complete recovery. I go back to work next Tuesday.
(3) We’ve had another rough week in terms of line-of-duty “officer down” issues: another six in the last week alone. Please go to http://www.odmp.org/ and take time out to pray for the families and colleagues of these fallen heroes who “gave all.” Secondly, we need to have a sense of urgency about sharing the Gospel message with our brothers/sisters-in-arms. We must all come to Christ the same way folks!
(4) Finally, with Memorial Day weekend upon us, let’s take extra care out there – including praying before your shifts, giving thanks after, and remembering to pray for our country, our military, fellow officers and leadership.
While I know many us will be working extra hours, please MAKE time to worship with your family in a solid Bible-teaching church (fellowship is NOT optional – it is a command from our Lord) this weekend. Let’s also not forget to thank our Vets and fly our colors as well.
I am blessed to count myself among you -- let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84 ) with honor!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
