Police Devotion 11-14-2017

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but…To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” Note the last three words: “FOR THY GOOD.” God gave us the Bible for our benefit, not His.

2 Timothy 3:16 also says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Bible gives us good doctrine so we can discern what’s right doctrine about God and what’s not: “…if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). As 2 Timothy 3:16 also says, the Bible also gives reproof to point out bad conduct, correction for errors, and instruction in righteousness in living.

The Bible also gives believers something else—comfort. God calls Himself “the God of patience and consolation.” “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5). So He gave the Bible to be a source of comfort for us, “…that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Also, in the first paragraph, the passage says to “…keep the commandments of the LORD.” That doesn’t just mean “keep” as in “obey,” although it does mean that. It also means “keep” as in “retain.” Proverbs 4:4 and 4:21 say, “…Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” And “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.” “Keep” also means to retain in your memory, so when some trial or discouragement comes, you can get comfort from God’s Word to help you deal with it: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

As a cop, you’ve no doubt had bad days because of people on the street, other cops, bosses, politicians, or the media. Even saved cops can expect the same problems other cops face: “…he [God] maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

Unfortunately, what do cops often do for comfort? Drink. Cops, of all people, know that alcohol never helps solve problems. Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Yet they deceive themselves into thinking it’s a good thing when it’s not.

Some may take a ride on a motorcycle for comfort, or work out at the gym, neither of which is sinful. Yet none of these can comfort people’s hearts like God’s Word. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes we need just to stop, open God’s Word, and let Him speak to our hearts.

God knows how to help cops with problems better than anyone else. So if you need comfort, take a little time to open your Bible and let the Lord minister to your heart: “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50). Most importantly, the Bible tells us how to receive Jesus as Saviour and have eternal life: “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” (John 20:31). If you have never seen how to have eternal life by receiving Jesus as Saviour, please click “Helpful Links” on the main menu and then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” on the dropdown.

Brian Miller 11/13/2017

Cleveland Baptist Church | 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 | 216.671.2822