Redirecting Your Life

Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature

have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of

God.” 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

John 15:2 “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no

fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes.”

What areas in your life has God pruned?

What areas in your life could use some pruning?

A Spirit-filled positive attitude established through our Christian connections will keep an officer on top of his/her job.

Are there situations that occur that try your ability to keep a positive attitude with the public?

1 Peter 3:15-16 “Always be prepared to give an answer to

everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Proverbs 25:21-22 “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If

he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap hot coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”

You need the connections with other Christians in order to maintain a positive attitude, and support you in your walk with Christ.

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you

will fulfill the law of Christ.” James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. “

Has there been an experience that has affected your outlook on the job?

You are not required to to remain neutral in area of helping others

Jesus knew when He needed to escalate on His force continuum scale.

Mark 11:15 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the

temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,”

Jesus also knew about having compassion as well.

Phillippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of

Christ Jesus:”

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's

mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

How does this verse relate to our law enforcement jobs?

When public officials abuse their authority they are not serving God’s purpose and will be removed from their positions

Daniel 2:21 “He changes times and seasons he sets up

kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

Ezekiel 28:14-16 “You were blameless in your ways from the day you

were created till wickedness was found in you. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.”

Isaiah 40:23 “He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers

of this world to nothing..”

Do you believe that Saddam Hussein and the country of Iraq could be one example of God removing a bad leader from a position of authority? Can you think of an other examples?

Whenever we feel like we want to be both judge and jury we need to recognize that we are being tempted evil.

It is these time that we need to cry out to God to lead and guide us to handle the situation the way that Jesus would.

2 Samuel 22:7 “In my distress I called to the LORD; I called

out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.”

Romans 12:14-21 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not

curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:  "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

How does reading verse 19 affect your thoughts about carrying out your job as a law enforcement officer?

In verse 16 it tells us to “not be proud”. Do you find that we as law enforcement tend to exalt ourselves over others more often than not?

Luke 7:6-10 “So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the

house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”

Do you believe that you could possess the same faith as the Centurion did?

Matthew 17:20 “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell

you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what

is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please

God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

You need to have faith in God through Jesus Christ, His son. You need to have the faith to believe that God wants to be part of your life and to use you in your position as a peace officer for His greater purpose.