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Matthew 14:32
“And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”
All of us have come against things in our lives that have challenged us & more than likely caused us to have fears. Fears bring questions, doubts as well as anxieties. When we go through storms in our life, we may start asking questions like:
• Will this storm take me under?
• Is this the end for me?
• Will I ever be able to overcome?
• Is there any hope?
• What do I do next?
We’ve talked about this many times before, but the enemy of our soul comes at each one of us in many different ways making it difficult at times to recognize where the attack came from. The enemy will lie to us making us believe “there is no hope”. (Sound familiar?)
It is true that sin can bring on a lot of difficulties in our life, but we must remember that Jesus sees where you are & knows all about your storm. He wants to help if you’ll let him.
Let’s take a better look at Matthew 14:22-29. When the disciples were close to Jesus, they felt confident that Jesus could handle any problem that may arise. When they saw that the people needed food & they had none to give they went straight to Jesus believing He could take care of the need. It was when they were away from the presence on the Lord, they ran into a storm feeling that all hope of survival was gone.
I’ve seen many ladies in this room touched by the hand of God. While they were hearing as well as feeling the touch of God, they had all the faith they needed to trust that the Lord would help them overcome whatever their situation was. (addictions etc…) But after they return to their cell a few days (or hrs) they start doubting the possibility of any hope of change in their life. (let’s read on)
Jesus knew where the disciples were. He also knew they were caught in a storm. He decided to go to them. Verse 25, “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” He came to them walking on the very thing they were afraid was their doom. Don’t ever forget that Jesus has more power than any problem we’ll ever face. The biggest problem we have is not believing the lie the devil feeds us telling us there is no HOPE!
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on that stormy water they were very frightened thinking it was a spirit. Verse 26, “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.” The Jewish people were very superstitious people. They believed if you saw a spirit in the darkness it meant sure death was coming to them.
The devil places false fears in our hearts & minds taking our focus off the Lord and onto the problem. Superstitions are never from the Lord. We must always base our beliefs on the Word of God. If we will listen Jesus can speak peace to our fearful hearts giving us the power, through Him, to overcome whatever the enemy has placed in our life.
In verse 27 Jesus knew that the disciples were fearful so He wanted to reassure them that He was there to help them. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
In verse 28 Peter was able to exercise a bit of faith & called out to Jesus saying, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Jesus does not want us to live in fear. He wants to give you peace on mind as well as a desire to live for God.
Notice in verse 29, “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”
Peter did walk on the water! It was stormy water. I’ve traveled on a ship before & I truly believe that stormy waters while on a ship would be very frightening! To come out of that ship Peter must have felt a boost of faith. He had made up his mind that he wanted to get to Jesus no matter what his surroundings were telling him.
Peter was walking on his problem! The very thing that they were afraid was going to be their watery grave he was walking on it!
You too can walk on your problem! You can put that addiction or any sin that controls your life under your feet. It does not have to control you anymore! All you need to do is get to Jesus no matter what! Jesus is your answer!
Is your focus more on the problem than on “Getting to Jesus”?! IN THE NAME OF JESUS, you can do it! That thing that has held you down for so long can be overcome if you can get to Jesus.
You may say I’ve tried before & it didn’t work, but when you get to Jesus you can call out to him & he will help your faith to return. Peter dealt with some doubt brought on by fear. Read verses 30-31: “ But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
The key is you’ve got to cry out to Jesus. You don’t have to spend your whole life letting your sin & problems walk on you! YOU CAN WALK ON YOUR PROBLEMS! You can be an overcomer In The Name of Jesus!!

Debbie Woolett

Putting Together An Effective Church Security & SafetyTeam

Once upon a time, the lack of peace and safety church leaders worried about, mostly happened somewhere else; Now, the rise in deadly shootings and other crimes has visited churches. Church leaders of many houses of God are seeing their need to prepare for the unthinkable. The ranks of those who say It couldn t happen here have begun to shrink. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 declares that it is when men cry peace and safety
than sudden calamity brings destruction.

Now, peace and safety has become a call to action. That s why Secure-Family.net is here today. Don t take church security lightly or it may be one of the last things you ever do.
For example:
Sept. 15, 1999 Church in Texas
• Over 150 teenagers at church singing hymns.
• Suspect entered and shot 14 people.
• Ended up killing 7 people and injuring another 7 before killing himself.
March 12, 2005 Church in Wisconsin
• Suspect opened fire on the congregation, killing 7 and wounding 4 before taking his own life.
• He was described by people that knew him as a normal guy with no warning signs.
Dec 9, 2007 Church in Colorado
• Suspect was asked to leave a youth center.
• Returned, opened fire killing 2 and injured 2.
2
• 35 minutes later, he went to a church and killed 2 people.
March 8, 2009 Church in Illinois
• Suspect walks into the church and shoots the pastor dead, point blank.
• Several church members confronted the shooter with aggression and overpowered him.
March 31, 2013 Church in Ohio
• A suspect killed his father at the church.
• Afterward, he shouted about Allah and God.
• The suspect was later arrested by the police.
December 2019 West Freeway Church of Christ
• A gunman opened fire at 10am. in a Texas church on a Sunday, killing two people and injuring others before two “heroic” congregants shot and killed him at the scene.

This is just some of the hundreds of examples where someone walks into a church and starts shooting or otherwise causing havoc.

The Mentality of a shooter
He will continue until stopped. Primary motive is revenge or other motives.
Hatred, domestic or marital issues, child custody dispute, congregation dispute, denied services, disappointment in leadership’’s decision, physical/mental illness, financial trouble, or just mad at the world. Or it could simply be anything.

Are there pre-indicators?

Key Findings:
Unless person communicates their intent directly, Predicting an active shooter incident is difficult and even More difficult in large congregations.
Planning.
• The idea may brew for weeks or months
• Pre-implementation 2 days prior to the attack
• Higher risk on Sundays usually after church begins.
• Can happen anytime but mostly 8am to 2pm
Causes & Categories
• Difference’s of Religious Opinion/Ideology
• Domestic Disputes
• Youth Issues
• Retribution
• Mental Illness

Workplace violence
Prevention
“The best thing you can do to avoid injury and loss of life is prevent the attack in the first place.”
“When preventative measures fail, being caught without the means to defend yourself, even in a house of worship, is a mistake you might only get to make once.”

“Keeping Your Church Safe”” by Ron Aguiar
Dr. Don Boys says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill. Christians shoot to stay alive.”

Considerations For an Effective Church Security Team
*1. Situational Awareness. (or knowing what is around you at all times) (Is. 21:6) ““Situational awareness”” can be defined as ““paying attention to what is going on around you.”” Awareness is a choice. One has to choose to pay attention. Remember, never put yourself in a situation Sufficient & proper training of volunteers, with annual updates in…
*you can’’t see your way out of

2. Verbal de- escalation of conflict when dealing with disruptive persons ( How to approach a disruptive person without putting them instantly on guard, or triggering their flight or fight response.) (Prov. 15:1)
3. Unarmed or non-lethal de-escalation (take the perp. down with pepper spray, stun gun, physical force, etc.)
4. Armed engagement (using a last-ditch effort to save lives).
5. 
   Side notes:
   *No one should be on a church security team without being properly trained in the 4 areas above .
   
   *Everyone on a church security team should be properly trained in the use of their weapon.
   *No one should be on a church security team If they are unwilling to use deadly force if necessary.
   Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while keeping an eye out for the unusual.
6. 
   More Suggestions for Keeping The Church Safe
   • Security cameras with someone monitoring them at all times during services & events is strongly sugggested.
   • Physical random patrolling of the parking lot and grounds around the campus during services & events( No one person should do this alone. Security personnel should always work as a team effort.)
   • Two way radio communication is strongly suggested. (With The chief of security monitoring all transmissions.)
   • Work with local law enforcement, if possible, asking them to Periodically and randomly Patrol the parking lot During service times and special event time periods.
   • Develop a church security plan as part of the security policy. Then Create a manual outlining the policies & procedures of your security program and make sure everyone concerned reads and understands them.
   End Note:
   6
   “
   “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.””
   James 1:19 KJV
   www.Secure-Family.net
   Don Woolett
   (270)723-5184
   NOTE:
   Copyright 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net. P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky. 42748
   ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry
7. •  Bro. Don Woolett is a member of the Hodgenville Pentecostal Church, Hodgenville, Ky 42748.  He is a member of the HPC church security & safety team and holds credentials as a minister with the Free Pentecostal Church of God Association, Cincinnati, OH. He is an ordained Chaplain with Chaplains International, Inc. As a graduate of Sheepdog Church Security Academy, Bro. Don’s church and family security qualifications include US Army combat special operations, Security team fundamentals certification, Dealing with disruptive persons certification, Optimal situational awareness certification, Storms and Disasters certification, Mass Trauma Emergency certification, Basic Use of Force Laws certification, Active Shooter Response certification, Arson and Fire Safety Certification, Protecting Children from Abuse certification, Conflict resolution certification, Safety Member certification & training through USCCA, US Law Shield, University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine  in general industry safety standards, & More.  Bro. Don is also a published song writer and his wife, Debbie, writes & publishes Sunday School and Kids Church outline material.  Bro. Don & his wife, Debbie, reside near Hodgenville, Ky.
   • Secure-Family.net,
   • P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, KY 42748  (270) 723-5184
   • HERE IS A VIDEO LINK THAT WILL BE VERY HELPFUL IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT CHURCH SECURITY & SAFETY
   • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKqXTf0rtk

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Once upon a time, the lack of peace and safety church leaders worried about, mostly happened somewhere else; Now, the rise in deadly shootings and other crimes has visited churches. Church leaders
of many houses of God are seeing their need to prepare for the unthinkable. The ranks of those who say “It couldn’t happen here” have begun to shrink. You may not have the ability to avoid a mass shooting or other emergency from ever occurring. Still, you can enhance the security at the House of Worship and have a plan in place to respond effectively to an emergency. It is clear that God not only defends his people but expects them to act in their own defense. They are to wisely plan their defense and put it into action, while still trusting God for its effectiveness.
Today the general mindset is different as opposed to Old Testament times. Churches in general do not carry the same level of respect they had a few generations ago. Neither is there the same respect for those of different persuasions, whether political stands, social issues, or religious beliefs.
Where most people back then saw no need for defending themselves and others in a church, now more people sense the need.
This is especially true in the wake of New Life in Colorado Springs, Emanuel AME in Charleston, Burnette Chapel in Antioch, and First Baptist in Sutherlund Springs.
Even churches belonging to pacifist (non-violent) traditions have begun to use some level of security involving self-defense. For them, this is usually unarmed resistance of attackers and grab-and-go (escort) holds of persons becoming violent. But even Mennonite Mutual, the church insurance company for a large pacifist group, no longer disallows congregations with armed church security teams.
The Bible does not forbid Christians from defending themselves, except for the response to a non-lethal physical or verbal insult (‘turn the other cheek”). However, aside from this, self-defense is expected throughout the Scriptures. It is the only prudent response to violence. This may be unarmed defense – there are many organizations and schools teaching this.
Current conditions in society, even in North America, justify having at least a few Safety Team members who are armed. Just as swords were carried for defense in Jesus’ day, handguns are carried today. But with the firepower comes responsibility. This means preparation (training), practice, and prudence. Jesus told His disciples to be “wise as serpents” while still being “harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). (https://sheepdogchurchsecurity.net/archive/self-defense-and-the-bible/)
Church security is increasing at houses of worship worldwide due to threats such as active shooter attacks and acts of terrorism. The FBI Hate Crimes Stats report revealed there were over 7,000 hate criminal activity events in 2017, with practically 21 percent of those encouraged by a religious predisposition. Houses of worship can be targeted because of the religious beliefs they practice or just because of the market make up their congregation.
You may not have the ability to avoid a mass shooting from ever occurring. Still, you can enhance the security at the House of Worship and have a plan in place to respond effectively to an emergency.
Remember, it only takes three elements for any violent crime: (1) An attacker motivated by a cause, (2) A victim who represents that cause, and (3) A lack of protection. The first two elements exist in just about any major gathering of people. The third may be more common in faith-based organizations than any other group. (Evil Invades Sanctuary by
Carl Chinn)
We must defend the church from violence. While deadly force should be viewed as an absolute last resort, we must prepare to use it properly and effectively. We must remain alert to potential threats and know how much force should be used in any given situation as well as what the laws are regarding its use.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 declares that it is when men cry “peace and safety” than sudden destruction will come.
Now, peace and safety has become a call to action. That’s why Secure-Family.net is here today. Don’t take church security lightly or it may be one of the last things you ever do.
According to Ron Aguiar, author of “Keeping Your Church Safe” “The best thing you can do to avoid injury and loss of life is prevent an attack in the first place.”
“When preventative measures fail, being caught without the means to defend yourself, even in a house of worship, is a mistake you might only get to make once.”
Let me share some Biblical Principles and Scriptures for church security.
Nehemiah 4:9
“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.”
Nehemiah 4:14
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”
Isaiah 21:6
“For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
2 Corinthians 6:15
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (Would you want to be associated in any way with an infidel?)”
James 2:20
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
2 Corinthians 13:1
“…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Luke 22:36
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him
take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

Luke 11:21
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
1 Chr. 9:21-24
“And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation. 22 All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office. 23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards. 24 In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.”
Now what do you suppose those porters were there for? The security of the people and the house of God!
Prov. 22:3
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
2 Kings 11:7, 11
“And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king. (11) And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.”
Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while
keeping an eye out for the unusual.
James 1:19 KJV
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
I believe it is the supreme responsibility of every parent (Dad, Mom, Grandparent, etc.) to protect their family from anyone or anything that might do them harm. [1 Timothy 5:8] That includes the house of worship which most criminals consider a “soft target.” because no body will be there with the ability to stop them.
The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 62 verse six, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense;…” Then again in
Proverbs 24: 29, the Scripture says, “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his
work.” I do not believe that Christians have a right or mandate to
retaliate when slandered or insulted. Such insults do not threaten the personal safety of a Christian. Defending one’s self against a mugger, robber, or rapist is a different story, however. As author Don Boys, Ph.D says, “Christians don’t shoot to kill. They shoot to stay alive!”
From my studies and experienced observation, a Christian doesn’t have a right to retaliation or personal vengeance. However, one does have a Scriptural and Constitutional right to defend himself, his family and his or her property. Remember also that Jesus, as gentle and mild as he was, drove the money changers out of the temple with a whip then turned over their tables. He also stood in their way so they couldn’t pass through. (Mark 11:15 & 16).
It is clear to me that God holds mankind responsible for being armed and prepared to protect and defend his family.
Jesus taught in Luke 22:36 that if one doesn’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Pacifist beliefs do not stand up to the harsh reality of our fallen world nor is pacifism to be reconciled to the clear teachings of Scripture. Consider Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There are a number of passages of Scripture that encourage escaping from danger or even using force in self-defense, if necessary, and encourage us to defend other people against wrongful attacks (Psalms 82:3). Jesus’s disciples carried swords, even after three years of traveling with Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemne, they had swords. Swords in the first century were used for self defense. So, I think there are times in which self-defense to prevent us from suffering significant bodily harm is justified.
Jesus himself told us in St. Luke 11:21, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.”
English Common Law states that a man’s home is his castle(or palace). I believe that includes your family and possessions occupying or associated with your castle, whether in church or out of church. A burglar (rapist, robber, pervert, predator, etc.) who has no regard for the sanctity of your home or church, would likely have no more regard for your physical wellbeing. He or she is not breaking into your home or place of worship accidentally and presents a “clear and present danger.”
In my opinion, the use of force to stop violence is not the same as the initiation of violence. I fully agree with Don Boys when he says that if you permit a murder or rape of an innocent child when you could have stopped it than you are morally responsible for it! (see Matthew 24;43)
Therefore, from these and other Scriptures, it is clear to me that God holds men responsible for being prepared to stand up for his family and acquaintances and even for being armed, if necessary, and prepared to protect his family, even in church. (or anywhere else for that matter).
I would never want to be found to be “worse than an infidel” by allowing someone to harm my family or acquaintances when I have a means to stop them. (see Matthew 24:43).
Revenge is in God’s hands; protection for our family and Christian brothers and sisters is our responsibility.
God himself says he is our defense. However, I do believe we, as individuals, have a definite mandate from God to defend and provide for our families, even in the House of God.

Don Woolett, Secure-Family.net

Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
So, who has to listen to authorities in their lives? Everyone! I’m not talking here about worshiping authority figures but respecting them.
See God does not say just some of us have to follow the authority in our lives. He says everyone has too. That means you, me, Mom, Dad, government officials (yes them too), even the Pastor of our church. No one has the right to defy the authority in their lives. We all have authorities in our lives.
I’m going to read a scripture that will help us better understand when it would be inappropriate to obey an earthly authority.
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
According to Romans 13:1, there is no authority EXCEPT from God. Then God is the only authority we need to listen to, right? Well if we stop right there then the answer is yes. But let’s go a step further in this verse.
“…. the powers that be are ordained of God”
The word “ordained” means placed. God places people in our life that have authority over us. God has a perfect plan for each of us and those plans are different and awesome. These people are put there to help guide us down the right path. Some of those people are so important, God has written specific scripture about them.
Ephesians 6:1-4
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Our parents are people God has put in authority over us and obeying them is the right thing to do, if for no other reason than to honor God.
The Bottom line is this:
When we submit to those in authority, we not only do it for our security or our safety, or to avoid negative consequences, or even to maintain order in our lives, but to honor God.
To follow those in authority is to honor God; it really is that simple.
It may not seem like that most of the time, especially since the world tells us we don’t have to let anybody tell us what to do.
I want you all to know that those in authority over us have that position because God has given that authority to them.
This does not make them perfect or incapable of making mistakes. Others in authority may make mistakes but, none of those mistakes are excuses for you or me to disregard that authority.
Now I will say this. If someone in authority tells you to do something wrong or against the commandments of God, the Bible tells us that we are to obey God rather than man.
Our parents are people He has put in authority over us and obeying them is the right thing to do, if for no other reason than to honor God. Our teachers and principles at school have been put in authority over us by God to help us and make smarter, better students and citizens of us in order to honor God.
Let’s read Romans 13:1 again, but this time let’s read the next 6 verses as well.
Romans 13:1-7. Listen closely.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. We don’t want that, do we?
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (That’s Christian moral character)
4 For 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.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. If you want to have a clear conscience, you need to obey those in authority over you. Let’s read on.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
OK then. What about our parents, or our pastor, or our teachers? Do they fall under these scriptures?
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; That includes your schoolteachers by the way. Now, why did God give them?
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: What does the word, edify, mean? It means, “instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.”.
As Christians, we’re all representatives of Jesus Christ and called to spread the Gospel in various ways whether it be preaching or the way we live and act around others or any way that represents the lifestyle Jesus would want us to live. This honors God.
You see, working for God builds respect for the Authority of God. God is honored by our obedience. Now we’re not saved by our works for it says in Eph. 2: 8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.” God gives us the gift of salvation so we can tell others about Him by testifying, doing good things, preaching or teaching the Gospel, etc. Salvation produces works, however, for it says in verse 9, “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”
I want to close today with the words to a song I wrote several years ago for our kids when they were younger. It’s titled “Work Just A Little Bit Harder” And his is how it goes.

1. God wants me to do my best
When sowing seeds of righteousness.
There’s no time to stop and rest
With so much to be done.
The more I work the more I know
The seeds I plant are gonna grow,
And I’ll sure reap just what I sow
While working for God’s Son.

CH. I want to work just a little bit harder.
Climb just a little bit higher.
Dig just a little bit deeper in the word.
I want to move just a little bit closer.
Go just a little bit farther,
And work just a little bit harder for the Lord.

2. Now, if I work hard everyday
And please the Lord in every way
I know that I will hear him say
“Well done. You’ve made it through.”
Though works won’t save me, this I know,
My works will help my faith to grow
And I will see the blessings flow
In everything I do.

©  2000/2007 Don Woolett (Dew Crest Pub. BMI)

Let’s all work just a little bit harder and do our best to let those in authority over us know how much we appreciate them.

Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net

Matt. 6:14-15, “ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Acts 1:8 tells us, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” But, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not our only source of power. The Holy Ghost gives us witnessing power.
The Scriptures tell us there is power in God’s Word. Rom. 1:16 the Apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” So you see there is power in the Word of God.
There is also power in the prayer of faith. James 5:15 tells us, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
There is power in the preaching of the cross of Christ. 1 Cor. 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
There is power in the name of Jesus. John 20:31 Jesus tells us, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Through the name of Jesus we receive life eternal and the power to be saved as well as the power to be healed and delivered. Also, Act.2:38 tells us, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Again, in Act. 19:4-6 we read, “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
There is also power in forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a stable of the Christian faith. We know that Christ died so that we can receive forgiveness. And we know that we are called to forgive others.
Unforgiveness is sin. The lack of forgiveness blocks access to God’s Kingdom and the miracle working power of the Holy Ghost.
Forgiving a person who has wronged you is never easy,but dwelling on those events and reliving them over and over can fill your mind with negative thoughts and suppressed anger. Yet, when you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of others and can finally feel free. You see, sometimes people who attack others are themselves in a state of fear, worry and hurt. They don’t think and lash out. Sometimes the wrongdoing is not personal, but due to something the other person was dealing with.
None of us deserves to be forgiven; yet God forgives us. That does not mean you condone what someone else did. It actually means the opposite. You acknowledge the hurt and still choose to forgive, which is why forgiveness is so powerful. Though we may forgive, we can’t often forget. However, we can change our reactions to those memories.
You know, you can’t force someone to reconcile your differences or disagreements because you don’t have control over his/her actions. But you can open the door to the possibility by beginning with forgiveness. You can’t force someone to forgive you but you can still be in the will of God by forgiving & not holding a grudge.
Look at Matt. 18:21-22. It reads, “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Oh I know it isn’t that easy, sometimes, to forgive someone who has done you wrong and unjustly. It takes some great effort on our part to forgive knowing the other person doesn’t feel the same way as we do. Our strength to forgive comes when we put it in the hands of God. God gives us Divine power to forgive. The other person may never know about your forgiveness. But forgiving and letting go can lighten the load on both your body and spirit.
Holding a grudge can work havoc on both body and spirit. Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. According to Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, of the Harvard TH Chan school of public health, “Forgiving a person who has wronged you is never easy but dwelling on those events and reliving them over and over can fill your mind with negative thoughts and suppressed anger. Yet, when you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of others and can finally feel free.”
To sum up, let me quote Rom. 6:22, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
Do you struggle with forgiveness? Do you sometimes feel “there’s no way I can forgive that person?” My advice is to apply ALL of God’s power sources, to your heart and life. Then you will find the power to forgive and be set free!

Prov 23:9: “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

In the Bible a fool is one who has rebelled against God. When we call someone a fool as a sign of our hatred towards them, then it’s sinful. But saying someone is being foolish because they’re rebelling against God, and it’s true, we’ve did them a favor. The word “fool” doesn’t signify a person that’s ignorant.
Proverbs 1:32 says, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” Much of Proverbs goes on to tell us how fools live and wreck their lives, including these behaviors. Let me share with you…
10 Unmistakable Characteristics of a Fool according to Proverbs.
1. A fool runs his mouth too much.
Prov. 17:27 & 28 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
2. A fool puts his hope in money & stuff.
Prov. 11:28 says, “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” Likewise, Prov. 145:16 says, “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
3. The Fool has no self-control.
Prov. 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
4. The fool is a gossiper.
Prov. 10:18 says, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slnder, is a fool.”
5. The fool does not plan ahead but jumps into projects & stuff.
Prov. 19:1 – 3, says, “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.” Also Prov. 14:15 tells us, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
6. The fool is always Meddling in the matters of others. (He can’t mind his own business)
Prov. 26:17 says, “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Also, 1 Pet. 4:15 says, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”
7. A fool Speaks quickly and out of turn.
Prov. 29:11 says, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
Or Prov. 29:20, “seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hipe of a fool than of him.”
8. A fool is stubborn.
Prov. 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
9. A fool is generally lazy.
Prov. 13:4 says, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
10. The fool is generally stingy.
Prov. 28:22 says, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” Prov. 19:17 tell us, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will he pay him again”
The Good News for Fools
Ephesians 5:15-17 has a way out for the fool. It says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
The Lord’s will is wisdom. “The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Wisdom is always available; we just have to surrender and ask for it. The Bible assures us that, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
Wisdom is always available; we just have to ask for it.
Are you asking God for wisdom or resting in the ease and comfort of foolishness? James asks, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?” Then he answers, “Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness and wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”
Don’t allow the Devil to make a fool out of you!

1. An arrogant spirit is an abominaton To God (Prov. 16:5), “Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.”
2. Of the 7 things listed that God hates, arrogance is 1st. (Prov. 6:16-19), “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look…”
3. Jesus Himself said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him,” and then goes on to list the thirteen characteristics of those who are outside of God’s favor, with arrogance being considered alongside sexual immorality and murder (Mark 7:20-23).
4. The Greek word for arrogance means a “puffing up of the soul” or “loftiness, pride” (2 Corinthians 12:20). It is incumbent upon believers to recognize that being arrogant or having a pompous attitude is antithetical to godliness (2 Peter 1:5-7). Arrogance is nothing more than an overt display of one’s sense of self-importance (2 Timothy 3:2). It is akin to that “it’s all about me” mindset that says, “The world revolves around me.” (Proverbs 21:24).
5. Arrogance is the reverse of God’s love. (1 Cor. 13:4) “Charity (or love) suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself (does not boast), is not puffed up.”
6. The Christian’s behavior towards others should imitate that of Christ. Where the world pushes us to strive to reach the top and says that “he who has the most toys wins,” Jesus commands us to be different: (Luke 14:11) “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Likewise, (James 4:6) says, “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
7. IN CONCLUSION: Regarding our attitudes towards God and our fellow-man, God gives us two promises. First, that the arrogant will be punished (Proverbs 16:5; Isaiah 13:11), and, second, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). For, in truth, “…be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5); and, (Proverbs 3:34), “Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”

Veterans Day Message:
“Some Things Worth Standing And Fighting For”
(Scripture Readings: Eph. 6:13; Neh. 4:14)

Eph. 6:13 reads, ” Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Nehemiah 4:14 reads, ” And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, ‘Be not ye afraid of them; remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

A veteran, according to one dictionary definition is:
1. somebody formerly in armed forces.
2. an experienced soldier
3. A military veteran is ANY person who served for ANY length of time in ANY military service branch.

A veteran is someone sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign or domestic.

A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made
payable to ‘The United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’
A veteran should be considered a hero, though some of us veterans don’t count ourselves as heroes.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families. We honor their contributions to our Nation. We keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded.

Today, we come together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union and the freedom for each of us to live our lives in Liberty and Justice, and according to the dictates of our conscience. Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our active service members and veterans, have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom.
Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward—from generation to generation—for more than two hundred years. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they loved. The self-less-ness of our service members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.
Many of our veterans served; not wanting to go to war, not take another’s life, but willing to serve, none the less, to defend and protect our freedoms and way of life.
We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
However, in remembering our American Veterans, let’s not forget the greatest veteran of all; Our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to 2 Cor. 5:16 – ,even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, we know Him thus no longer. You see, he’s no longer a suffering servant but he’s now a mighty warrior and a conqueror!

We read in Rev 5:1-7 – that Jesus is not a wimpy lamb, but a conquering lion. In fact, He’s is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Jesus is not a helpless victim, but He’s an over comer and he has power! In fact, ALL power has been given him in Heaven and in Earth!
Paul describes Jesus as a military general in Eph 4:7-10 (READ).
1. The imagery Paul uses is a military victory parade
2. Jesus conquered and gave gifts to men.

The clearest and most inspiring picture of our hero, Jesus, is in Rev 19:11-21. In this passage,
1. Jesus, on a white horse with burning eyes leads an angelic army
2. He defeats the enemy (followed by judgment, then heaven for his people)

Christ left us an example that we should follow in his steps. He has given us a great nation, great families, & great churches. If we have been born again, and are followers of the Supreme Commander – in– Chief, we are all veterans in the army of the Lord.

As veterans, there are three, just three of many things, I want to briefly talk to you about that are worth standing and fighting for, and then, I’ll be done.

1. OUR COUNTRY: Something worth standing and fighting for!

I thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate several years ago. It seems prayer still upsets some people.. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas State Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

Heavenly Father,
we come before you today to ask
your forgiveness and to seek your direction and
guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those
who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we
have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it
the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it
welfare….

We have killed our unborn and called it
choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it
justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our
children and called it building self esteem…..

We have abused power and called it
politics.

We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions
and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and
pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values
of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts
today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!


The response, of course, was immediate. A number of
legislators walked out during the prayer in
protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian
Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than
5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls
responding negatively. The church received
international requests for copies of this prayer
from India, Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on
his radio program, ‘The Rest of the Story,’ and
received a larger response to this program than any
other he had ever aired.

Freedom is a word our forefathers learned from the Bible, and the movers and shapers of our nation were often men of evangelical persuasion.
For instance, there was Samuel Adams who saw individual freedom as “…the law of the creator and a Christian right documented in the New Testament.”
Thomas Jefferson said, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” [from Notes on the State of Virginia, 1791]
Woodrow Wilson, 28th. President of the United States said, “ A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”
Other great men & women of history such as Calvin Coolidge, our 30th. President, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, a signer of the Constitution and an original Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Noah Webster, creator of Webster’s American Dictionary, and Patrick Henry, and many others, had something similar to say about this great nation.
Regardless of how bad this country gets, it’s still the greatest nation on the face of the earth and it’s worth standing and fighting for!
2. THE FAMILY: Something worth standing and fighting for!
The traditional family in America and around the world is under attack! State after state across the United States is recognizing Sodomite unions as natural. It’s being taught in our Government school as diversity, while traditional unions between one man and one woman are bigotry.
Census figures show that as of 2011, only 23% of married couple families with children younger than age 15 have a stay-at-home mother (SAHM). These days, there are more kids being raised by single moms than by married couples where the man earns all the income and the wife stays home.
Married couples with children account for less than a quarter of all households. More than 30 percent of households are single person households. 23 percent of children live with a single mother, 5 percent with a single father. More than 70 percent of all children live in families where every adult in the household is employed. Stay-at-home-dads are still a small minority — less than a million in the country –but dads do the primary childcare for more than a quarter of the children whose mother works outside the home.
According to revised estimates from the 2010 census, there are 131,729 same-sex married couple households and almost sixteen thousand same-sex unmarried partner households in the United States, but this relies on self-reports, so is biased toward the low side. About 20 percent of same sex couples are raising kids.
Traditional marriage and the traditional family is under attack by a filthy, anti-Christ, reprobate society!
Education was once the province of the family. It did an admirable job. American society before 1850 (excluding slavery) was the envy of the world. State schooling did not arise to fill a deficiency in the people. It arose, rather, because — in the unplanned order of a free society — people were doing too good a job of educating and nurturing their children and facilitating their growth into independent, competent, and moral adults.
In the eyes of some, this had to be stopped. Why? Because the elite and the parents held two conflicting views about education. Even today, we believe that children are an heritage from the Lord; that God has entrusted them to us to train up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. However, the statists believe that children belong to the state. Even our own Kentucky State Constitution calls children “the state’s children.” It is only another way of breaking down the home and family. The family should be interpreted in the light of God’s Word, not what is politically correct!
The Bible tells us that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established. I going to quote just two of many high education officials and what they say about the goal of public or government education.
Paul Blanchard, a contributing author of “The Humanist” declared: “I think that the most important factor moving us toward a secular society has been the educational factor. Our schools may not teach Johnny to read properly, but the fact that Johnny is in school until he is sixteen tends to lead toward the elimination of religious superstition. The average American child now acquires a high school education and this militates against Adam and Eve and all other myths of alleged history…”
Dr. John Goodland wrote a report for a National Educational Agency in the 1980’s arguing that one of the goals of public education is to re-educate children and turn them away from the values of their parents. He said, “Our goal is behavioral change. The majority of our youth still hold to the values of their parents and if we do not re-socialize them to accept change, our society may decay.” Well let me tell you something. our society is decaying because of re-socialization!
The Scriptures tell us in Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Regardless of what the liberal establishment has to say, or what the Government education system teaches, the traditional home and family is something worth standing and fighting for!

3. THE CHURCH: Something worth standing and fighting for!

Is the Church in America under attack? Let’s review some facts!

What is happening in America is an increasing hostility and intolerance toward Christian beliefs and values that many perceive to be an attack on religious freedom. In current American culture, you are free to be a Christian as long as you don’t actually live out your faith, vote your faith, take a stand in relation to your faith, or believe others should embrace your faith; in other words, you must not evangelize. It’s not enough that your beliefs can’t influence society; you must also embrace society’s beliefs. The concern is that government will make people choose between obeying the law and following their faith. For Example:

*Catholic Charities in Illinois shut down its adoption services rather than place children with same-sex couples (as the state required).

*A Christian counselor was penalized for refusing to advise gay couples.

*A court clerk in New York was told to issue same-sex marriage licenses, despite religious reservations. The same happened recently in Kentucky

*A wedding photographer was sued for refusing to shoot a same-sex wedding.

In Colorado, a Christian baker refused to bake a wedding cake for a same sex couple, and his case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.


In each case, the Christian(s) involved were not attempting to impose their religious views on others. They simply didn’t want to be forced to participate or offer support for something they felt was in violation of their religious conscience. The argument is, of course, that such stands are discriminatory.

Liberty Institute Founder Kelly Shackleford said of the recent hike in reported incidents of Christian persecution. “It is dramatic. I have been doing these types of cases for almost 25 years now. I have never seen the levels of attacks like these and how quickly they are now proliferating.”
Shackleford says government, from schools to social programs, is the ringleader. “There are children being prohibited from writing Merry Christmas to the soldiers, senior citizens being banned from praying over their meals in the Senior Center, the VA banning the mention of God in military funerals, numerous attempts to have veterans memorials torn down if they have any religious symbols such as a cross, and I could go on and on,” Shackleford said.
This is NOT what our veterans have so valiantly served, fought and even died for. But, this is what we’ve become. I believe our country, our church and our families are still worth standing and fighting for!
The enemies of the church are not always from those without the Body of Believers, but many times we are our own worst enemy. Many times we fight among ourselves, we can’t agree on what God’s Word says or even what God’s word really is. We many times give our churches over to Government control through incorporation and our children over to Government control through the Government schools. We fail to realize we should render unto God the things that our Gods and to Caesar, the things that are Caesars.

To sum it all up, let me say this. If you love your freedom, thank a Veteran! If you’re sitting in church today with the freedom to worship as you please, thank a veteran! If you want to get in your automobile and take off on vacation and have a good time, thank a veteran! If you have food to eat, clothes to wear, a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, good transportation, the necessities of life, or just plain enjoyment without the interference from an oppressive government, THANK A VETERAN! And, thank Almighty God for empowering that veteran to do what they did!!

God gave us this great nation. The veteran has sacrificed, even unto the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve this great nation. God has given each of us the responsibility to continue preserving the rich heritage we so wonderfully enjoy!

Let me close, with this piece entitled, “The Bravest Man I Know” by Amanda Whitney.


The bravest man I know.
Is a man I’ve never met.

He’s a man who risks his life
To save a friend,
Not only to save a friend,
But to save a nation.

Risking his life
For those he does not know.
Stepping up
Leaving loved ones behind,
So that somewhere,
Someone else won’t have to.

He is a man who follows orders
Even though he knows he might die.

The bravest man I know.
Is the man who would rather die,
So one more person could go home
To see his family again.

The man who stares death in the face,

But never blinks.

The bravest man I know.
Is the man who risks his life
So one day the world may be a better place for his children.
Or any man who goes against his biggest fear.
DEATH
Just to save someone he loves.

The bravest man I know.
Is the man who fights
So another man can have the taste of sweet freedom.
Not fighting only for his own benefit,
But for many others all over the world,
Fighting to make this world a better place.

That’s the bravest man I know.


I’ve heard it said that a person stands tallest when they’re on their knees; in prayer before Almighty God. We have some things worth standing and fighting for. Let’s start right here and now!

Thank you, and God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Don Woolett.

Nehemiah 4:9
Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
Nehemiah 4:14
And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
Isaiah 21:6
For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
2 Corinthians 6:15
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (Would you want to be associated in ay way with an infidel?)
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2 Corinthians 13:1
…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Four basic Considerations For an Effective Church Security Team
*1. Situational Awareness. (or knowing what is around you at all times) (Is. 21:6) “Situational awareness” can be defined as “paying attention to what is going on around you.” Awareness is a choice. One has to choose to pay attention. Remember, never put yourself in a situation you can’t see your way out of.

2. Verbal de- escalation of conflict when dealing with disruptive persons ( How to approach a disruptive person without putting them instantly on guard, or triggering their flight or fight response.) (Prov. 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”)
3. Unarmed or non-lethal de-escalation (take the perp. down with pepper spray, stun gun, physical force, etc.)
4. Armed engagement (using a last-ditch effort to save lives).
Side notes:
* No one should be on a church security team without being properly trained in the 4 areas above .
* Everyone on a church security team should be properly trained in the use of their weapon.
* No one should be on a church security team If they are unwilling to use deadly force if necessary.

Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while keeping an eye out for the unusual.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
James 1:19 KJV

www.Secure-Family.net

Principles for verbal de-escalation of a conflict situation
The four main goals of de-escalation give it its power.
• Keep lines of communication open. You’ll gain insight into the situation including things that may calm the person.
• Get the person talking. Much of a disruptive person’s frustration comes from feeling ignored or misunderstood. Also, when talking there is little chance for action.
• Actively listen. Make the person feel heard.
• Maintain control through clear and calm communication. You will be able to better control the situation by keeping the level of conversation quiet and calm.
Tips for Maintaining Body Language as you De-Escalate the Situation.
Remain:
* Mindful: be conscious of your posture.
* Open: use an open, yet defensible posture
* Move Slowly: use slow and deliberate movements.
* Don’t Point: never point at the person. It communicates accusations.
* Don’t Shrug: shrugging your shoulders communicates that you are uncaring or unknowing.
* Relax: don’t display a rigid posture, cross your arms, or puff out your chest. This shows you as defensive or aggressive.
Be aware of your facial expression:
• Relax Your Face: don’t furrow your brow or frown.
• Smile: start friendly with a natural smile. If the situation escalates it’s okay to relax into a neutral expression. Nothing is more aggravating than a fake smile.
• Eye Contact: keep and maintain natural eye contract. Never close your eyes or look away. Don’t stare. The person may interpret this as a challenge.
Be aware of your voice:
• Volume: keep your volume soft. Generally, the softer voice is matched. It’s also calming.
• Slow Down: your rate of speech should be natural or slower than natural. This is soothing.
• Friendly: keep your tone of voice friendly and helpful.
Keep your thoughts and emotions in check. They come across through body language:

• Maintain the Mind of Christ: do not prejudge, criticize, argue, threaten, encage in power struggles, or disregard the feelings or position of the person.
• Understand Without Agreeing: it is recommended using the phrase “I hear you.” It shows that you understand what the person is saying and the emotions they are feeling. It does not say you agree with their actions or interpretations.
Additional Tips Helping to De-escalate the Situation
• Avoid intervening too quickly. People argue and it is a healthy part of relationships.
• Avoid interrupting a disruptive person. The whole point is to get and keep him/her talking to calm down.
• Don’t ask “why” questions. Why questions are logic-based. Emotional people do not thing logically.
• Don’t rush the interaction. Time is on your side. Don’t try to hurry verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Avoid asking a lot of questions. If you do ask a question, it should be a “softball” type of question.
• Avoid accusatory statements such as “act right—this is a Church!”, “you’re acting crazy”, or “you need to calm down.” These statements are very inflammatory.
• Avoid saying “I know how you feel” or “things can’t be that bad.” This isn’t about you, and you can’t know how they feel. Do not suggest that things will get better because they may not.
• Avoid shouting or giving rapid commands. Don’t take anything personally (lying, tricking, deceiving, threatening, etc.)
Never make promises you can’t keep!

Secure-Family.net

Church Security Questions (Knowledge Exam)

What are the four basic steps of church security?


What is verbal de-escalation of conflict?


Explain Situational Awareness.


What is one of the best Situational Awareness principles someone should keep?


What is the one main thing you should never do when verbally negotiating with someone?

Name at least one OT and one NT Scripture in favor of Church security.

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I believe the Bible is the God breathed, Holy Ghost inspired word of Truth from God to mankind. I believe the Authorized King James Version is God’s Holy Ghost preserved translation to the English speaking people and any version or translation not in complete agreement with the KJV is in error.
The name of Jesus means something only when it applies to the MAN Jesus! The name of Jesus is not a “Magic formula” to be used by just anybody to gain power or influence. That name can only be used successfully by those who KNOW Jesus personally!
All the power, and all the authority that Jesus had is invested in His Name. Jesus himself said in Matt. 28:18, “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.”
In John 16:24, Jesus gave us the authority to use his name in prayer, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing IN MY NAME: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Jesus not only gives us the use of His Name in prayer, but he also declares that the prayer prayed in His Name will receive His special attention: John 16:23, “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father IN MY NAME, he will give it you.” That is an endorsement by Jesus to the Father to give you what you are asking.
We also have authority in the Name of Jesus against all powers of darkness. Mark 16: 17 – 18 says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
That Name has been given unto us who are born again according to the scriptures.
Heaven, earth and Hell recognize what Jesus did. All He did, all the authority, all the power, all of His achievements are in His Name.
The Name of Jesus will work in Heaven; it will work here on earth; it will work under the earth. It will work in all three worlds because those are the three worlds in which we have to do. The Name of Jesus will not work for us, however, until we get the revelation of it by studying and feeding on God’s Word. Jesus gave us the right to use the name that was given to Him.
There is authority in the Name of Jesus. Jesus has the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1: 18).
Just before Jesus ascended to be seated at the right hand of the Father, Jesus said, “All power [authority] is given me in heaven and in earth”. Then he immediately delegated His authority in the earth to the Church when he said, “Go ye therefore”. Then he gave us a promise when he said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; IN MY NAME….”
Jesus authorized us to use that name. He commissioned us to use that name in Matthew 28 and Mark 16.
The Name of Jesus belongs to us today regardless of what skeptics say. In fact, there is salvation in that Name. If the Name of Jesus only belonged to the early church, as some believe and teach, than no one is born again today for, as Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Let me share this. In the name of Jesus Christ there is Salvation, Authority, Deliverance, Healing, Power, and other attributes to numerous to mention. The following Scripture references testify to the fact:
Col. 3: 17: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Col. 2: 9 – 10: “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
Col. 1: 18 – 19: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;”
John 14: 13: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the powder of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Romans 11: 36: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
Read also Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19 – 20 & Matt. 28:19-20.
What more could be said? God’s word says it very clearly. Jesus Christ is our high priest, our authority, our savior, our provider and Lord. There’s none other name. Trust him. Believe him. Follow him and love him. That is the only way we’ll face eternity secure in him.
WHO IS JESUS?
The only way to get the answer to this question is to go to the only source that is infallible, the Bible!
Matthew 16:13-17
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
8. This takes us back to the definition we read at the beginning of this lesson.
Christ comes from the Greek word χριστός (chrīstós), meaning “anointed one”
Another question: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE MEAN WHEN IT SAYS ANOINTED? (here we are talking about speaking of one that is “anointed”)
• To be anointed is to be set apart, empowered
• The primary purpose of anointing with the holy anointing oil was to sanctify, to set the anointed person or object apart as “holy”
There is no question that Jesus was the “Anointed One”. The Bible is full of examples showing us the “anointing” Jesus exhibited while on this earth.
John 20:30-31
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
In John chapter 20 it is talking about Jesus’ resurrection & then the time He appeared to the disciples when they were in a shut room. Jesus just appeared & talked with them & then He just disappeared… Thomas was not with them that first time Jesus came into their presence, but later Thomas was there & this chapter tells about Thomas seeing Jesus.
John 20:26-29
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

There should be no question in our minds that Jesus is indeed the “Christ”.

1 John 2:22-23

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

²³ Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”

10. Jesus is God, yet He is the Son of God.  Here are some scriptures we need to discuss to get a better understanding of who Jesus is:

Matthew 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Notice in this scripture the word “Name”.  It is singular…

Acts 4:12

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

When you properly understand these scriptures you can see that Jesus & God are one yet separate.  Let’s not forget the Holy Ghost is part of this too.  In Matthew 28:19 the singular “name” is speaking of “the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”

This takes us to our next scriptures:

John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The next scripture clarifies who the Word was.

John 1:14

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

These next 2 scriptures automatically put God & our Saviour Jesus Christ together…

Titus 2:13

^“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

2 Peter 1:1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

This next scripture is a bold statement by Jesus:

John 10:30

“I and my Father are one.”

Philip is having a conversation with Jesus in this next scripture:

John 14:8-11

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.”

Jesus makes it clear that He & the Father are one together.

John 20:28

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

As you can see even Thomas recognized he could not separate Jesus & God…  They worked together as one. 

Jesus is God in a bodily form.  God is spirit & Jesus was the earthly body in which God dwelt.

Don Woolett/Debbie Woolett, Secure-Family.net