Ok, I know its been forever since I posted anything on here and there is no one to blame but me so there, I said it.
For any Officer in the Charlotte area that has come across this, we are meeting weekly now. We are not going over any material yet, right now it's a prayer gathering with the potential for a bible study or book study in the near future. If you are interested and would like to join us please contact me at mtravis@cmpd.org.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Romans 13:4
I was thinking about a particular Bible verse this morning. Romans 13:4 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. As I was thinking about this verse I was really looking at the word minister. Most people, including myself, think of this word as a preacher or a leader or someone with authority.
I've always liked this verse and still do. I believe that every officer ought to know this verse. This is the verse that says God has given us permission to uphold the laws set by the lawmakers which were also appointed by Him. But, as I kept running through this verse I felt myself getting pumped up with pride. Yeah, I'm a MINISTER of GOD! If you think of it like this then you will get a rude awakening.
I decided to look up the definition of minister. I also looked up the Greek word for minister and learned a valuable lesson.
Websters Dictionary says the a minister is : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador.
Sounds pretty good doesn't it. I like how 3a starts out the SUPERIOR. Wow, we really hold ministers on a high level in society don't we.
Well here is the Greek word for minister, leitourgeo. Don't ask me how to pronounce it because I'll butcher it. So, what is the Greek definition of this word? Anybody want to take a guess? I'll tell you this, it is certainly different from Webster's definition. Here it is, Servants (leitourgos from léïtos = of the people [NIDNTT says it from "laos" = people] + érgon = work) is literally a worker of the people. In classical Greek leitourgos referred especially to persons performing public duties, or works of public use. So what does this mean?
I think if we use Romans 13:4 and we think of the word Minister as defined in Websters dictionary we are sadly mistaken. The word minister means what a lot of the old time ministers and folks way back when knew what it meant. Ministers are servants of God. Do they have authority? Of course. Authority given to them by God to preach the Gospel but, they are to serve the Lord and their congregation.
When I read that I remembered that is my job as well, to serve the Lord and the people and not to be proud that there is a verse in the Bible the refers to Police Officers as Ministers.
There is a funny thing about pride, it will take you down quicker than anything else. Proverbs 11:2 says this about pride, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Here is what the Lords says about pride in Jeremiah 49:16, Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.
So, if you read Romans 13:4 and see that word minister, remember you are a servant of God! You do have authority but if you use it with a humble spirit God will bless you.
I've always liked this verse and still do. I believe that every officer ought to know this verse. This is the verse that says God has given us permission to uphold the laws set by the lawmakers which were also appointed by Him. But, as I kept running through this verse I felt myself getting pumped up with pride. Yeah, I'm a MINISTER of GOD! If you think of it like this then you will get a rude awakening.
I decided to look up the definition of minister. I also looked up the Greek word for minister and learned a valuable lesson.
Websters Dictionary says the a minister is : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador.
Sounds pretty good doesn't it. I like how 3a starts out the SUPERIOR. Wow, we really hold ministers on a high level in society don't we.
Well here is the Greek word for minister, leitourgeo. Don't ask me how to pronounce it because I'll butcher it. So, what is the Greek definition of this word? Anybody want to take a guess? I'll tell you this, it is certainly different from Webster's definition. Here it is, Servants (leitourgos from léïtos = of the people [NIDNTT says it from "laos" = people] + érgon = work) is literally a worker of the people. In classical Greek leitourgos referred especially to persons performing public duties, or works of public use. So what does this mean?
I think if we use Romans 13:4 and we think of the word Minister as defined in Websters dictionary we are sadly mistaken. The word minister means what a lot of the old time ministers and folks way back when knew what it meant. Ministers are servants of God. Do they have authority? Of course. Authority given to them by God to preach the Gospel but, they are to serve the Lord and their congregation.
When I read that I remembered that is my job as well, to serve the Lord and the people and not to be proud that there is a verse in the Bible the refers to Police Officers as Ministers.
There is a funny thing about pride, it will take you down quicker than anything else. Proverbs 11:2 says this about pride, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Here is what the Lords says about pride in Jeremiah 49:16, Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.
So, if you read Romans 13:4 and see that word minister, remember you are a servant of God! You do have authority but if you use it with a humble spirit God will bless you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Two year annivesary of Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton death
On this date in 2007 we lost two of our own in a deadly shooting. Officer Sean Clark and Officer Jeff Shelton were both shot and killed in the line of duty. Please keep their familes in your prayers today. It really dosen't seem like its been two years. I remeber like it was yesterday when my nephew called me and asked if I was working and told me about the shootings. Both these officers are honored on this blog and I hope that they will never be forgotten.
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
In reading this verse I think of all the fallen officers over the years. Then I think of one man, Jesus Christ, who died for all that no man should perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Thank you Jesus for covering my sins with your blood. You showed the greatest love of all.
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
In reading this verse I think of all the fallen officers over the years. Then I think of one man, Jesus Christ, who died for all that no man should perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Thank you Jesus for covering my sins with your blood. You showed the greatest love of all.
Friday, January 30, 2009
PeaceKeepers 09 Kickoff
Just wanted to let you know that the Charlotte PeaceKeepers 09 season will begin on February 12th! I'm excited about this years group. I have a couple of new faces attending and possibly more! There is a group started in Belmont NC and Huntersville NC too! This Bible study seems to be catching on. I pray that the Lord will use the leaders of this study to help bring more cops to Christ. If you have any questions about starting up a study in your area go to www.christiancop.com or click on the link to the right. Pray for us while he have these meetings and pray that the Lord uses us in a mighty way.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Another Great E-mail
This was sent to me by a person that has a huge burden for Police Officers. She wrote this herself and it is very, very good! I hope you enjoy it.
In the beginning when God was busy creating and filling the rooms of the souls of men, he came to the very last room of souls. This was the room that contained the very unique and brightly lit “Blue Soul”. He knew that for this last room of souls he would create a very special one that would contain some of the Highest qualities his kingdom had in it. This one “blue” soul would feel the weight of the world on it at times and would need a whole lot of support. He would need to make a lot of these. Because these souls would feel like they had been to war at times, he would also have to include the qualities of a warrior’s spirit in with it.
He sent his angel to the room that was labeled “Qualities Room”. This room contained all the vials of soul mixtures in heaven. God said, “bring me the vials of compassion, honor, courage, respect, intelligence, wisdom, patience, desire, calling and family”.
God then began to mix and pour until he had a unique combination that would fit just right. God poured honor and courage first; because this one soul would need to portray these above all.
Next he made a mixture of wisdom and intelligence followed by compassion, respect and patience. These he added liberally because this soul would soon run out of these qualities and he knew that all the soul had to do was tap into God when he felt low and God would fill it up again.
Family was the next vial he came to. This would become very important to this soul. For when this soul met another “blue” soul, there would be an instant unspoken bond between them. They would be there for each other to support and lift up the other when needed.
Calling and desire were all that were left to be infused into this soul. God picked up the vial of calling and put just a dropper full in. Saying, “we don’t need much of this one because this is a very powerful substance and he will know from the time he is a small child that he has a calling on his life and that he will be special among many, for he will follow this calling all his life.
There will be others that will try to imitate this soul, but they will burn out quickly, they won’t last long, because they do not contain this “calling” quality in their soul.
At the last came the vial of desire. God Said, “I will put a desire in their hearts to know me. When the weight of the world has gotten them down (and it will), when all their compassion, respect, patience, wisdom, intelligence, honor and family seem to be draining away and they are running on empty (and they will), if they will fulfill this desire and come to me, I will fill them back up to over flowing. I will refill their emptiness with me and since I love them with all my heart, I will prove it, I will send my son to die for them.”
This room he labeled “LEO spirit”. And God said “ I will place this soul into each man at each appointed time, and he will be created for such a time as this”.
In the beginning when God was busy creating and filling the rooms of the souls of men, he came to the very last room of souls. This was the room that contained the very unique and brightly lit “Blue Soul”. He knew that for this last room of souls he would create a very special one that would contain some of the Highest qualities his kingdom had in it. This one “blue” soul would feel the weight of the world on it at times and would need a whole lot of support. He would need to make a lot of these. Because these souls would feel like they had been to war at times, he would also have to include the qualities of a warrior’s spirit in with it.
He sent his angel to the room that was labeled “Qualities Room”. This room contained all the vials of soul mixtures in heaven. God said, “bring me the vials of compassion, honor, courage, respect, intelligence, wisdom, patience, desire, calling and family”.
God then began to mix and pour until he had a unique combination that would fit just right. God poured honor and courage first; because this one soul would need to portray these above all.
Next he made a mixture of wisdom and intelligence followed by compassion, respect and patience. These he added liberally because this soul would soon run out of these qualities and he knew that all the soul had to do was tap into God when he felt low and God would fill it up again.
Family was the next vial he came to. This would become very important to this soul. For when this soul met another “blue” soul, there would be an instant unspoken bond between them. They would be there for each other to support and lift up the other when needed.
Calling and desire were all that were left to be infused into this soul. God picked up the vial of calling and put just a dropper full in. Saying, “we don’t need much of this one because this is a very powerful substance and he will know from the time he is a small child that he has a calling on his life and that he will be special among many, for he will follow this calling all his life.
There will be others that will try to imitate this soul, but they will burn out quickly, they won’t last long, because they do not contain this “calling” quality in their soul.
At the last came the vial of desire. God Said, “I will put a desire in their hearts to know me. When the weight of the world has gotten them down (and it will), when all their compassion, respect, patience, wisdom, intelligence, honor and family seem to be draining away and they are running on empty (and they will), if they will fulfill this desire and come to me, I will fill them back up to over flowing. I will refill their emptiness with me and since I love them with all my heart, I will prove it, I will send my son to die for them.”
This room he labeled “LEO spirit”. And God said “ I will place this soul into each man at each appointed time, and he will be created for such a time as this”.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Check out this e-mail sent to me.
Jim Neugent is a coach in Childress , Texas ... > Jim writes: >
My name is Jim Neugent. I wrote to ABC (on-line) concerning a program called 'THE PRACTICE.' In last nights episode, one of the lawyer's mothers decided she is gay and wanted her son to go to court and help her get a marriage license so she could marry her 'partner.' I sent the following letter to ABC yesterday and really did not expect a reply, but I did get one. > My original message was: > ABC is obsessed with the subject of homosexuality. I will no longer watch any of your attempts to convince the world that homosexuality is OK. 'THE PRACTICE' can be a fairly good show, but last night's program was so typical of your agenda. You picked the 'dufus' of the office to be the one who was against the idea of his mother being gay, and made him look like a whiner because he had convictions. This type of mentality calls people like me a 'gay basher.' Read the first chapter of Romans (that's in the Bible) and see what the apostle Paul had to say about it... He, God and Jesus were all 'gay bashers! '. What if she'd fallen in love with her cocker spaniel? Is that an alternative life style? ( By the way, the Bible speaks against that, too.) > --Jim Neugent >
Here is ABC's reply from the ABC on-line webmaster: >
How about getting your nose out of the Bible (which is ONLY a book of stories compiled by MANY different writers hundreds of years ago) and read the declaration of independence (what our nation is built on), where it says 'All Men are Created equal,' and try treating them that way for a change! Or better yet, try thinking for yourself and stop using an archaic book of stories as your lame crutch for your existence. You are in the minority in this country, and your boycott will not affect us at ABC or our freedom of statement. >
Jim Neugent's second response to ABC: > > > > Thanks for your reply. From your harsh reply, evidently I hit a nerve. I will share it with all with whom I come in contact. Hopefully, the Arkansas Democrat Newspaper will include it in one of their columns and I will be praying for you. > --- Jim Neugent --------------------- > > >
Note: Wouldn't Satan just love it if people stopped using the Bible for a crutch? Please re-send this to everyone in your mailbox. > -- Thanks, Jim Neugent > I wonder if the person from ABC considered how many people would read this e-mail! This is one we should definitely pass on.
My name is Jim Neugent. I wrote to ABC (on-line) concerning a program called 'THE PRACTICE.' In last nights episode, one of the lawyer's mothers decided she is gay and wanted her son to go to court and help her get a marriage license so she could marry her 'partner.' I sent the following letter to ABC yesterday and really did not expect a reply, but I did get one. > My original message was: > ABC is obsessed with the subject of homosexuality. I will no longer watch any of your attempts to convince the world that homosexuality is OK. 'THE PRACTICE' can be a fairly good show, but last night's program was so typical of your agenda. You picked the 'dufus' of the office to be the one who was against the idea of his mother being gay, and made him look like a whiner because he had convictions. This type of mentality calls people like me a 'gay basher.' Read the first chapter of Romans (that's in the Bible) and see what the apostle Paul had to say about it... He, God and Jesus were all 'gay bashers! '. What if she'd fallen in love with her cocker spaniel? Is that an alternative life style? ( By the way, the Bible speaks against that, too.) > --Jim Neugent >
Here is ABC's reply from the ABC on-line webmaster: >
How about getting your nose out of the Bible (which is ONLY a book of stories compiled by MANY different writers hundreds of years ago) and read the declaration of independence (what our nation is built on), where it says 'All Men are Created equal,' and try treating them that way for a change! Or better yet, try thinking for yourself and stop using an archaic book of stories as your lame crutch for your existence. You are in the minority in this country, and your boycott will not affect us at ABC or our freedom of statement. >
Jim Neugent's second response to ABC: > > > > Thanks for your reply. From your harsh reply, evidently I hit a nerve. I will share it with all with whom I come in contact. Hopefully, the Arkansas Democrat Newspaper will include it in one of their columns and I will be praying for you. > --- Jim Neugent --------------------- > > >
Note: Wouldn't Satan just love it if people stopped using the Bible for a crutch? Please re-send this to everyone in your mailbox. > -- Thanks, Jim Neugent > I wonder if the person from ABC considered how many people would read this e-mail! This is one we should definitely pass on.
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