As Iron Sharpens Iron,
So One Man Sharpens Another
Proverbs 27:17
Fall 1997
During our last meeting we examined the final four causal factors associated with officers' related spiritual assaults (see last months newsletter for the first part of this message). Looking at these elements we quickly learned that both professionally and spiritually speaking our most common error is a failure to look up. Failure to look up to our Savior in prayer for guidence prior to stepping into a given situation could have long lasting negative ramifications. Meditate on 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 5:16.
An officer's Poor Mental Attitude ran a close second in this list of four. Unlike the physical confrontations we encounter professionally our spiritual struggles begin in our minds, the control center of our lives. Our challenge is to meditate on what is pure, wholesome, right and holy. Examine Romans 8:18 and Ephesians 6:12.
Physical fitness is extremely important to most officers and so it should be. To be spiritually fit means that we are prepared for any spiritual battle. The book of Acts 1:8 tells us how to receive power.
If you missed the last meeting and want to hear this important message, contact us, we'll be glad to send you a tape of the meeting.
Over the past couple of years it has been wonderful to see the support and fellowship with one another grow. Truly lives have been bettered, and lives have been changed because of the fellowship associated with Iron Sharpens Iron.
To the outsider, or to the person who has been to a meeting or two, but has not yet experienced this fellowship it is important to point out, that this fellowship is not merely the fellowship of people. The fellowship of people will sometimes fall short of our expectations. We will get hurt, or let down by people, promises may be made, but won’t come through. That is why our first fellowship must first be through Jesus Christ. In the Bible, 1 John 1:3,4 it says: what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.
Complete joy! What a thought! Think about it, happiness is what most of us search after, yet happiness is a temporary emotion, based on our current circumstances. Joy on the other hand is a state of being. Could it be that joy is available to all of us through a fellowship with God? The Bible says yes. The fellowship of Iron Sharpens Iron participants through the first fellowship with Jesus Christ says yes.
Why do we say yes? Because truly lives have been bettered, and lives have been changed because of our fellowship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction of righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (King James Version)
To take a closer look at this Scripture, I would like to expand on it somewhat by quoting the Amplified Bible version. "Every Scripture is God-breathed, given by His inspiration, and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness (that is, in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
According to these two verses, if we want direction in our daily walk with the Lord, to be disciples of Jesus, we need to study God's Word and apply these principles from it to our lives. You could say that God's Word is our instruction manual on how to live. Or, B.I.B.L.E., Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
The men and women of Iron Sharpens Iron will again meet in Long Beach for the October 4th meeting. This new location has proven to be centrally located for a majority of the officers attending Iron Sharpens Iron. It has also encouraged great participation from many officers fromt he Long Beach Police Department.
It has been good to have many officers new to Iron Sharpens Iron join us for food, fellowship, and focus on our walk with the Lord.
If it has been awhile since you came to a meeting, why don't you join us in Long Beach on October 4th? Remember, it's not just what you can gain from participating but what you have to offer to others. When you decide to have the attitude of giving to others, you will be surprised how you will usually walk away feeling that you have been blessed.
So, make it a priority and come join us as we spend some time looking in the Bible and discovering the wonderful promises and plans God has for our lives. You'll be glad you did!
Plus there will be a free Continental Breakfast available from 0815 hrs-0845 hrs. What a Deal!
This page was last updated 01 January 2001
A new millennium, yes. A new Jesus, no. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.