This week's newsletter and Bible study has once again gone out to our worldwide list of email subscribers (FREE) and is posted on Facebook and Twitter as well but, as usual, I want to make a copy available in this format at well: Samson: Wasted Potential. Please read, apply and then pass it on to others as part of our Great Commission marching orders. As always, please feel free to reach out if I can help you in any way.
MC
Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2015
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Samson -- a Cop's Story
Fellow Sheepdogs:
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
If we put ourselves on a pedestal, sooner or later, God will have to knock us off, for He is to be our God (first in our lives) and we are to have NO OTHER “god” above Him (there is a reason it is the 1st Commandment)! Clearly, we must not allow this type of sin into our lives and we must seek His help and grace in order to make that effort successful. We must also recognize that our God is sovereign and He is the one that has brought us everything that we might allow ourselves to be properly prideful about! When we know and accept that everything good that we have – including (especially) our commissions as officers – comes from God, then we are wise indeed.
The sin of pride has caused more problems within the law enforcement profession than perhaps any other single issue (one had but to walk around last year’s IACP Conference – the stench of arrogance and pride was overwhelming) and we – as Christian servant-leaders – need to be boldly walking with our Lord to change it.
To be fair, our God-ordained profession is certainly not alone in dealing with this issue. Pride in fact causes a host of problems in almost every area of life – INCLUDING the ministry (intellectual snobbery, pastors who fail to be the shepherds and true servant-leaders they are called to be, etc.).
So how do we overcome sinful pride in our lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
(1) Desire God's Will More Than Your Own
The proud person wants to be in control. Rather, God is calling us to obedience and submission to His lordship and word: And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
2) Accept God's Unconditional Love
God wants us to have a balanced, healthy self-image because we believe two things. First, we believe He created us to be image-bearers of God. Second, we believe He loves us so much that He gave His own Son to save us and reconcile us to Himself.
(3) Develop the Quality of Humility
Jesus is our greatest example. He left the glories of heaven to come to earth and live life as a human being for thirty-three years. He humbled Himself to die a criminal's death on the cross for our salvation, and He invites us to come to Him and learn from Him: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (see also Philippians 2:5-11).
The story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 provides a great treatise on the benefits of humility before God and the consequences of turning from Him out of pride (take the time to read this short chapter). Many years later, a proud pagan king learned the same lesson and expressed it aptly: Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Daniel 4:37
Jeremiah 9:23-24 perhaps says it best: This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.
See also Isaiah 14:12-22 and Psalm 10:4.
If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, wouldn't today be a great time to begin a new life in Him? It takes humility to confess (repent) that you are a sinner and accept that you can NEVER be “good enough” to earn God's favor. Don't let pride keep you from a relationship with God – come to Him humbly today -- tomorrow may very well be too late.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/) in Georgia sent the following – please take a few minutes to watch and remember the sacrifice of all who served and serve: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE .
(2) Tulsa (OK) PD Captain and fellow minister Travis Yates has a great website that is chock full of outstanding resources. There is a link to his site right here on ours or just click on http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/. While I’m “here,” thanks to everyone who has commented on my being Travis’s recent guest on his new Centurion Radio show. There is a link to that broadcast on his site as well.
(3) A number of you have sent me the following and – while I think it is submitted out of context – it is nevertheless interesting given the perilous times we are living in:
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2 Hmmm?
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
Let’s remain vigilant and stay the course with Christ as our Captain!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Caleb the "Cop" -- TRUE Strength & Honor!
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
This time last week I was flying home from serving at Dep. Chris Dewey’s police funeral (What an honor -- and you can watch most of the church portion of Chris's funeral service at LWCC.org.). As many of you already know, my being there was nothing short of God-ordained. Thanks to all who prayed for me in this endeavor. In addition, thanks to retired Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, and Minneapolis PD Sgt. Bill Palmer for their outstanding assistance and being open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior for directing my path in this assignment.
At our last meeting, our own Erv Meyer taught a very special profession-relevant Bible study (what Boulder Co. S.O. Chaplain Andy Wineman calls a TACTICAL Bible study – I love it) on the person of Caleb as described in Numbers 13:1-14:38; 26:65; 32:11, 12; Deuteronomy 1:34-38; and Joshua 14:6-14; 15:13-19. What our Lord revealed to us through Erv’s teaching of His word is a warrior-leader (“cop”) who is an outstanding role model for all of us who serve in our God-ordained profession. A study of the above-listed passages shows us that Caleb:
(1) Lead from the front and by example.
(2) Was absolutely obedient and didn’t complain.
(3) Wholly trusted in God’s plan and submitted to His authority.
(4) Displayed life-long courage in the face of incredible adversity and overwhelming odds (Caleb knew his Captain).
(5) Possessed unsurpassed integrity where many others fell short.
(6) Understood the importance of backup and teamwork.
(7) Controlled his emotions – did not become angry or bitter despite facing hardships caused by the disobedience of others.
(8) Responded to his "calls" and completed them with excellence.
(9) Was never a ROD (“retired on duty”) cop.
(10) Maintained his warrior skills and stayed fit for duty despite his many years “on the job.”
(11) Always kept a positive, enthusiastic attitude despite the hardships he had to endure. Caleb RAN to the battle and relished God’s assignments for him.
(12) Never wavered – he stayed the course and finished strong.
In short, Caleb was everything a servant-warrior (cop/soldier) should be – and everything we should all be striving for. So how can WE be a modern-day Caleb (we CAN)? Only -- ONLY -- by the allowing God to be sovereign and giving permission for the Holy Spirit to control our lives. We CAN'T do it on our own -- we WILL fall short without God directing our path as He did with Caleb. That said, ask God today to make you into a modern-day Caleb in accordance with His unique plan and direction for your life. Strength & Honor indeed!
This week I will be teaching a tactical Bible study on the subject of PRIDE as detailed in God’s perfect “policy and procedure manual” (aka the Bible). Matt Wallenburg will once again be leading worship, I’ll talk about Chris funeral service, and we’ll have a great time of prayer and fellowship. Please “pass-on” this newsletter to your friends and colleagues and -- if you are in the Denver Metro area -- join us tomorrow evening. As always, I’ll have a complete recap for all those who can’t attend and/or are elsewhere in the world. Stay tuned!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Check back frequently for the latest announcements, meeting updates, and prayer requests. The latest version is already up and follows this post.
(2) A couple of you have forwarded the following verse to me that provides a wealth of truth (and some wry humor) in these tough times: The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left -- Ecclesiastes 10:2. TRUE!
(3) Many are having a tough time and – despite my previous teaching on this subject – continue to wonder why God allows suffering and hardship in their (our) lives. In response, take a look at the following (click on the link): Standing Firm -- https://store.afa.net/pc-10000581-98-standing-firm-dvd.aspx.
(4) Need more solid reasons to be in prayer for our nation and leaders? Check this out from David Barton leading a tour of the US Capitol like you've never seen (we've been lied to)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlfEdJNn15E&feature=player_embedded.
(5) The 2010 Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference will take place September 10-12 in Gulfport, MS. See the FCPO link here on our website for complete details…please join us!
(6) Christian Cops on the Radio! I had the honor of being Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates’s (Ten-Four Ministries -- http://tenfourministries.org/) guest on his new Centurion Radio program. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ten-four-ministries to listen to my broadcast/message and those that preceded it – and the great ones that will follow. See also http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2010/08/centurion-radio-6-detective-mc-williams.html.
(7) BAPTISM! Some of our regulars have expressed the Holy Spirit-inspired (not to mention obedient) desire to be baptised. If others in the Denver-metro area are interested, let me know and we’ll set it up soon.
(8) We continue to visit and pray with our wounded brothers at Craig Hospital and I am asking that you join us in this endeavor. Regardless, please keep Ofc. Max Faistenhammer (MI) who is headed home this week, Dep. Kyle Rosentreter (WY), Dep. Scott Warrington (CO), and Dep. Mike Severson (WI) in prayer. Ofc. Densey Cole (Chicago PD) is also back at Craig this week for his re-evaluation and I hope to visit with him on Friday.
Finally, if you do not know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior (or have fallen away from walking with Him), then let me again encourage you to get right with God today. Tomorrow is promised to no one and there are NO SECOND CHANCES if you die in your sin (not knowing Christ as your Lord and Savior). Come to him today -- click on the How to KNOW Christ as Savior link here our website -- and then TELL SOMEONE (us and others) about it. Know too that I’m here to pray and/or counsel with you.
Stay strong in Christ!
This time last week I was flying home from serving at Dep. Chris Dewey’s police funeral (What an honor -- and you can watch most of the church portion of Chris's funeral service at LWCC.org.). As many of you already know, my being there was nothing short of God-ordained. Thanks to all who prayed for me in this endeavor. In addition, thanks to retired Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, and Minneapolis PD Sgt. Bill Palmer for their outstanding assistance and being open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior for directing my path in this assignment.
At our last meeting, our own Erv Meyer taught a very special profession-relevant Bible study (what Boulder Co. S.O. Chaplain Andy Wineman calls a TACTICAL Bible study – I love it) on the person of Caleb as described in Numbers 13:1-14:38; 26:65; 32:11, 12; Deuteronomy 1:34-38; and Joshua 14:6-14; 15:13-19. What our Lord revealed to us through Erv’s teaching of His word is a warrior-leader (“cop”) who is an outstanding role model for all of us who serve in our God-ordained profession. A study of the above-listed passages shows us that Caleb:
(1) Lead from the front and by example.
(2) Was absolutely obedient and didn’t complain.
(3) Wholly trusted in God’s plan and submitted to His authority.
(4) Displayed life-long courage in the face of incredible adversity and overwhelming odds (Caleb knew his Captain).
(5) Possessed unsurpassed integrity where many others fell short.
(6) Understood the importance of backup and teamwork.
(7) Controlled his emotions – did not become angry or bitter despite facing hardships caused by the disobedience of others.
(8) Responded to his "calls" and completed them with excellence.
(9) Was never a ROD (“retired on duty”) cop.
(10) Maintained his warrior skills and stayed fit for duty despite his many years “on the job.”
(11) Always kept a positive, enthusiastic attitude despite the hardships he had to endure. Caleb RAN to the battle and relished God’s assignments for him.
(12) Never wavered – he stayed the course and finished strong.
In short, Caleb was everything a servant-warrior (cop/soldier) should be – and everything we should all be striving for. So how can WE be a modern-day Caleb (we CAN)? Only -- ONLY -- by the allowing God to be sovereign and giving permission for the Holy Spirit to control our lives. We CAN'T do it on our own -- we WILL fall short without God directing our path as He did with Caleb. That said, ask God today to make you into a modern-day Caleb in accordance with His unique plan and direction for your life. Strength & Honor indeed!
This week I will be teaching a tactical Bible study on the subject of PRIDE as detailed in God’s perfect “policy and procedure manual” (aka the Bible). Matt Wallenburg will once again be leading worship, I’ll talk about Chris funeral service, and we’ll have a great time of prayer and fellowship. Please “pass-on” this newsletter to your friends and colleagues and -- if you are in the Denver Metro area -- join us tomorrow evening. As always, I’ll have a complete recap for all those who can’t attend and/or are elsewhere in the world. Stay tuned!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Check back frequently for the latest announcements, meeting updates, and prayer requests. The latest version is already up and follows this post.
(2) A couple of you have forwarded the following verse to me that provides a wealth of truth (and some wry humor) in these tough times: The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left -- Ecclesiastes 10:2. TRUE!
(3) Many are having a tough time and – despite my previous teaching on this subject – continue to wonder why God allows suffering and hardship in their (our) lives. In response, take a look at the following (click on the link): Standing Firm -- https://store.afa.net/pc-10000581-98-standing-firm-dvd.aspx.
(4) Need more solid reasons to be in prayer for our nation and leaders? Check this out from David Barton leading a tour of the US Capitol like you've never seen (we've been lied to)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlfEdJNn15E&feature=player_embedded.
(5) The 2010 Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) National Conference will take place September 10-12 in Gulfport, MS. See the FCPO link here on our website for complete details…please join us!
(6) Christian Cops on the Radio! I had the honor of being Tulsa PD Capt. Travis Yates’s (Ten-Four Ministries -- http://tenfourministries.org/) guest on his new Centurion Radio program. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ten-four-ministries to listen to my broadcast/message and those that preceded it – and the great ones that will follow. See also http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/2010/08/centurion-radio-6-detective-mc-williams.html.
(7) BAPTISM! Some of our regulars have expressed the Holy Spirit-inspired (not to mention obedient) desire to be baptised. If others in the Denver-metro area are interested, let me know and we’ll set it up soon.
(8) We continue to visit and pray with our wounded brothers at Craig Hospital and I am asking that you join us in this endeavor. Regardless, please keep Ofc. Max Faistenhammer (MI) who is headed home this week, Dep. Kyle Rosentreter (WY), Dep. Scott Warrington (CO), and Dep. Mike Severson (WI) in prayer. Ofc. Densey Cole (Chicago PD) is also back at Craig this week for his re-evaluation and I hope to visit with him on Friday.
Finally, if you do not know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior (or have fallen away from walking with Him), then let me again encourage you to get right with God today. Tomorrow is promised to no one and there are NO SECOND CHANCES if you die in your sin (not knowing Christ as your Lord and Savior). Come to him today -- click on the How to KNOW Christ as Savior link here our website -- and then TELL SOMEONE (us and others) about it. Know too that I’m here to pray and/or counsel with you.
Stay strong in Christ!
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