Ironguys.org
Ironguys Law Enforcement Ministries
Preface to the IRONGUYS Law Enforcement Bible
Ironguys Law Enforcement Ministries--6848 Magnolia Avenue Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92506 Email: randy@ironguys.org (909) 307-4790
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Foreword
If you find yourself reading this foreword, we want you to know God has placed this Bible in your hands for a reason. In spite of what you may sometimes think, God has a plan for you and is in control. God has been working in and through the lives of several other cops (like you) for many years to reach the moment where this Bible is now placed in your hands. So, it’s no accident that this Word of God has ended up in your possession. It’s easy in our profession to lose sight of God and forget about His goodness and love as we have a front row seat to life and many times see its ugliness. This Bible, and the God who wrote/inspired it, will help you make sense of this broken world. God is amazingly good and his love is deeper than anything we can imagine. Although you, perhaps, may not be motivated to read it, God, nonetheless, has a plan for you and loves you unconditionally—therefore, please keep this Bible close by. There is only one God who wants a relationship with you and gave us His word (this Bible) to understand Him and what He wants for our lives.
We love you,
Ironguys Law Enforcement Ministries
(Ironguys.org)
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Biblical Encouragement for Law Enforcement Officers
How Does God Guide a Law Enforcement Officer to Do His/Her Job?
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, Page: 704)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, Page: 420)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1, Page: 325)
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19, Page: 666)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Page: 366)
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (Psalm 18:32, Page: 314)
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:9, Page: 369)
How Does the Lord Watch Over the Law Enforcement Officer?
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. (Psalm 3:3-4, Page: 309)
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30, Page: 314)
6So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6, Page: 704)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, Page: 122)
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. (Psalm 91:15, Page: 344)
How Does God Want the Law Enforcement Officer to Act as They Protect Others?
Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. (Proverbs 31:8, Page: 383)
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men... (Colossians 3:23, Page: 690)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17, Page: 690)
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Page: 673)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all... (Romans 12:14-21, Page: 666)
How Does God’s Word Encourage the Law Enforcement Officer Through Difficult Times?
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, Page: 636)
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10, Page: 326)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, Page: 664)
Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” Or “What shall we drink?” Or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow… (Matthew 6:31-34, Page: 572)
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings, I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. (Psalm 57:1-3, Page: 329)
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22, Page: 320)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7, Page: 709)
Do You Remember the Oath of Office You Took to Be a Law Enforcement Officer?
If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. (Numbers 30:2, Page: 95)
You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. (Deuteronomy 6:13, Page: 104)
I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing” … (Ecclesiastes 8:2-3a, Page: 388)
You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. (Deuteronomy 10:20, Page: 106)
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5, Page: 704)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2, Page: 309)
The Law Enforcement Officer – An Occupation or A Calling?
Why will only a small percentage of applicants successfully pass the rigorous screening process and become a law enforcement officer? Could it be those who pass have an innate ability to handle the rigors of the job? For instance, how many people do you know who are great painters of art, while others can only draw stick figures? What about a family in which several siblings are athletic, non-athletic, or intellectual? Or, how about well-known professional sports figures whose children follow in their mother or father’s footsteps? Everyone has a gift, ability, or talent to do something—such as working with youth, repairing things, raising children, politics, etc. If someone discovers he/she has a desire to become a law enforcement officer, and makes it through the screening process, it is very likely he/she has discovered his/her God-given talent—especially after graduating from a law enforcement academy and working on the street.
Ultimately, how does someone know he/she has been called to be a law enforcement officer? It’s when he/she finds he/she has:
•An abundance of patience;
• An inquisitive mind;
• A desire for justice;
• A willingness to help others;
• An ability to cope with danger and death; and
• Wants to do what’s right.
It is when he or she realizes he/she possesses those traits that he/she was very likely called to be, “…God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4b, Page: 667)
Will Every Law Enforcement Officer Automatically Get into Heaven?
No! Just as your decision to become a law enforcement officer was a personal decision, everyone must also make an individual choice to accept the way God chose for each person to gain eternal life. Should you choose not to receive the salvation that has been provided by the Son of God, your rejection will cause you to spend eternity away from God, after death, in a place called hell. On the other hand, if you’d like to know how to avoid that horrific destination, then go to the next paragraph…
How to Become a Christian
If you’ve intentionally looked here, rest assured it was not by accident. I would not be surprised that as you started to read this, your cellphone rang, a dirty joke came to your mind, you suddenly felt hungry, or your vision got blurred. Hold on, because what you’re about to read will be better than a high-speed pursuit or a good felony arrest and, most of all, will last an eternity. By the way, if you’re pressed for time and have a computer or cellphone, just go to this web address and check it out there: http://ironguys.org/how_to_ become_a_Christian.html or scan this QR code:
Or pray the following:
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins and confess all of my sins to You. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Take control of my life, and make me the person You want me to be. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
God’s Assurance: His Word the Bible Says: “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, Page: 665)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith–and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God–not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-, Page: 685)
“He who has the Son has life: he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:12-13, Page: 713)
To visit Ironguys Law Enforcement Ministries website, scan this QR code:
A Prayer for Today’s Law Enforcement Officer
Dear Lord, as law enforcement officers, we thank you that You are Wonderful, that You are our Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. We, as law enforcement officers, thank you, Lord, for the privilege to be used as Your instruments of righteousness, to serve every person in America—regardless of their background or heritage. Lord, every day, nearly one million men and women protect more than 300 million Americans from tyranny, anarchy, crime, danger, and evil… And at every moment, these law enforcement officers are in the midst of peril, wherever they travel—on the roads, in the cities, in the wilderness, on the local waters, and even while they are eating their lunches. Danger lurks at every corner. The loss of just one officer, Lord, is too much to bear at any time, yet there are thousands of officers across America who (even right now) will encounter shootings, fights, pursuits, ambushes, evil, and danger. Lord, we are so grateful that Your Word has acknowledged that when a man or woman becomes a law enforcement officer, he/she has accepted a divine appointment from YOU to serve the people of his/her community, state, or country. So, Lord, as law enforcement officers, we come to ask Your blessings and mercy upon us. We ask for Your hands of love to grip us; Your arms of strength to embrace us; Your legs of might to uphold us; Your eyes of kindness to watch us; and Your mind of infinite wisdom to guide us. May every law enforcement officer in America know his/her job has been established by You and that whatever he/she does, and wherever he/she goes, may he/she sense Your presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. More than anything, Lord, for those officers, deputies, agents, or investigators who do not know You personally, may Your Holy Spirit sweetly settle upon them on-duty, off-duty, or wherever they go. May You draw them close to Your heart, where there is endless mercy and grace. May you give every Christian officer in America increased boldness to share Your love with their co-workers. Your word says the angels rejoice in heaven whenever one person repents, so, Lord, may You grant opportunities for many officers to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts, to be their Savior and Lord, and receive eternal life. May You be with the wives, husbands, children, brothers, sisters, parents, friends, fiancés, boyfriends, or girlfriends of every law enforcement officer; and grant them grace to support and encourage each law enforcement officer through the difficult days that have passed, and of those that will come in the future. May You be with the heart, spirit, soul, and mind of every law enforcement officer who has had to endure horrendous tragedy and may You, Lord, forever protect them from any future emotional trauma. May they know, without a doubt, You will never leave them nor forsake them, for You will always be their Shield and their Strong Tower against all enemies. This we ask in the precious and glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen