April 26, 2015

Today we welcome Law Enforcement Officers and their families to worship. It is an honor to have you in attendance and get to say a deep and sincere “thanks” for your courageous stands to make our communities safer. Words are not enough. We hope to show you our thanks, even as you so graciously honor Eastminster Presbyterian Church by your presence. Law Enforcement and Christianity have both been under attack in contemporary society. It is a shame that these two strong threads of physical and spiritual freedom face stress. Yet these are chords that will not be broken. Today we will give medals to all Law Enforcement Officers. On the Medals are written the words of Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” We believe that there are forces of evil in the world against which both Law Enforcement and Christians take a stand. Sometimes our mission seems hopeless. But today we remember that God is stronger than evil, that right will triumph, and that we are equipped to minister in the world with Power under control. Power under control. This is the essence of meekness. God does not call Christians or Law Enforcement Officers to be wimps! We are to be strong like powerful horses, yet bridled by the Holy Spirit to express that strength in the service of truth and goodness. This is a God sized task! I love the way that II Timothy 1:7 puts it: “God’s Spirit does not make us timid: instead his Spirit fills us with power, love and self control.” May we all be filled by that Spirit and express love, even tough love, to the ends that goodness and light prevail! Again, welcome Law Enforcement Officers. We are proud of you and support your mission as kindred spirits! Blessings, Tim