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The Policeman's Bible

Contributing Artist Of Mention: Larry Rhodes (Retired Police Officer)

A) INTRODUCTION.

B) GENERAL DUTIES OF A POLICEMAN.

C) THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF POLICEMEN.

 

 

A) INTRODUCTION

 

 

The original term for “Police,” was “Peace Keepers.”

 

“And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”  Luke 3:14.

 

 

B) GENERAL DUTIES OF A POLICEMAN

 

 

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According to Genesis 9:5-6, “[5] And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. [6] Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed:  for in the image of God made he man.”

 

Note:  The entire reason for avenging the murder of another is not mainly just because it would be a deterrent for others to consider the act of murdering another, but even more importantly, is because man was made “in the image of God.”  Therefore, in reality, it is a crime against God.  It is a policeman’s job to protect all life and property and to capture the wrongdoer and bring them to justice.  It is not the policeman’s job to render justice.  That will be done it a court of law by ones pers.  However, should the perpetrator cease to stop his life-threatening behavior, such that he will cause bodily harm to the public or the policeman, then the policeman can use deadly force.

 

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According to Exodus 18:21-22, “[21] Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: [22] And let them judge the people at all seasons:  and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge:  so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”

 

Note:  The Police can make a judgment in the field that can prevent the court systems from being overloaded.  It is the courts that give the Police force the authority to either administer justice in the field under non-violet, non-criminal acts, or bring them to the court system.

 

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According to Exodus 21:23-25, “[23] And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, [24] Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

 

Note:  The Police do not administer this, but bring the accused into the court system.

 

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According to Exodus 22:1-4, “[1] If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. [2] If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. [3] If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. [4] If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.”

 

Note:  The Policeman would become involved only if the party at hand does not pay the fine.  The court would administer a warrant summons which the policeman would then take as his authority in order to re-arrest the offending party, pick him up, and take him to jail to await the court appearance.

 

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According to Leviticus 19:15, “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment:  thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty:  but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”

 

Note:  A policeman bases his decision on just the facts (evidence).  He does not chose who the offender is based upon color, dress, or statis.

 

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According to First Samuel 8:11:  “And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you:  He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.”

 

Note:  It is the job of the Policeman to enforce the law established by the rulers and judges.  However, when the rulers ask the police chief, who then orders a policeman to arrest someone for the ruler’s political gain, the Christian policeman must follow conscience.

 

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According to First Chronicles 22:17-18, “[17] David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, [18] Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath He not given you rest on every side? for He hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine [David’s] hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before His people.”

 

Note:  The Police Force keeps things calm in order to maintain the peace.

 

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According to Second Chronicles 19:7, “Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”

 

Note:  The Policeman should not take bribes or gratuities; not even down to a free meal.

 

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According to Nehemiah 4:17-18, “[17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. [18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.  And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.”

 

Note:  The Police Force needs to respect the rights of its citizens to bear arms.  They also need to protect businesses and citizens from unlawful assembly from persons engaged in unlawful acts.

 

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According to Psalm 18:37, “I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them:  neither did I turn again till they were consumed.”

 

Note:  A Policemen never gives up the pursuit of the suspected perpetrators.  If necessary, when the perpetrator endangers other citizens or the police officer, then lethal force may have to be used.

 

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According to Psalm 31:15, “My times are in thy hand:  deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”

 

Note:  When citizens complain to the police, the Police are trained and authorized by the law to uphold the law by keeping the peace.  The responding police officer investigates the complaint.  After the completion of the investigation, lawful justice is therefore administered by the police.

 

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According to Psalm 35:10, “All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto Thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?”

 

Note:  The Policeman, when responding to a scene, notices that a party is better armed then another party, and the Policeman steps in to bring peace and calm to the community and separates the parties in order to bring peace to the scene.  First step, stop the violence.  Second step, calm the scene.  Third step, bring the violent to justice and the law abiding into their protection.

 

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According to Psalm 82:3-4, “[3] Defend the poor and fatherless:  do justice to the afflicted and needy. [4] Deliver the poor and needy:  rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”

 

Note:  See Psalm 35:10 Note.

 

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According to Psalm 101:8, “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”

 

Note:  It is the duty of the Police to bring the offenders before the judges.

 

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According to Psalm 106:3, “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.”

 

Note:  A Policeman has to make an educated judgment at the scene at the time based upon what he observes (the evidence) at the time.

 

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According to Psalm 140:4, “Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.”

 

Note:  This is one reason we have a Police Force; to protect the public from evildoers -- to protect the innocent.

 

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According to Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

 

Note:  A Policeman is to listen to both sides and base his decision on the factual evidence.

 

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According to Proverbs 21:15, “It is joy to the just to do judgment:  but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

 

Note:  The Policeman comes onto a crime scene and stops the crime in progress and apprehends the perpetrator.  If deadly force is taken by the perpetrator, then the Policeman is authorized to both protect the public and himself and use deadly force as authorized by law.

 

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According to Proverbs 24:11-12, “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; [12] If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

 

Note:  The Policeman arrests the offender, but the judge lets the offender go.  It is the duty of the Policeman to continue his job as normal and honor the courts judgement.

 

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According to Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth:  but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

 

Note:  If there were no Police Force than there would be no fear.  However, the Police force find the evidence and pursue the evidence looking for the guilty.

 

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According to Ecclesiastes 5:8, “If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter:  for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.”

 

Note:  A Policeman must know his neighborhood and have a high regard for God and what God has given him as his duty to do.

 

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According to Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

 

Note:  A Policeman is trained to enforce the laws, to protect and defend those who cannot shield themselves.  A Policeman stands between the defenseless and the offender.

 

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According to Isaiah 49:25, “But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered:  for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”

 

Note:  The Police officer -- as an example -- gets drug traffickers off of the streets and summits to the court those who have been affected in order for the court to determine is the drug addict should go to a rehabilitating facility.

 

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According to Hosea 7:1, “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria:  for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without.”

 

Note:  Sometimes the Policeman discovers new factual information and must act upon it either for or against.

 

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According to Zechariah 7:9, “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.”

 

Note:  The Policeman sees everyman as equal in the eyes of God.  It is his job to keep the scale of justice ballenced.

 

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According to Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.”

 

Note:  This is probably the BEST VERSE that emphasizes the real duty of a Policeman.

 

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According to Matthew 18:16, “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

 

Note:  The Policeman, listens to all of the witnesses of the crime, and decides for the three witnesses as opposed to the one.  As an example, I hit someone and I say I didn’t do it.  But three people say they saw me hit him.  Then the Police Officer would take the word of the three (provided the three are not in coercion).  Then the Police Officer would look for supporting evidence.

 

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According to Matthew 21:12, “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.”

 

Note:  The Police Office is the peacekeeper and must subdue the offenders.

 

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According to Luke 11:21, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.”

 

Note:  A Policeman assists in helping to protect property.

 

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According to John 7:51, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 

 

Note:  The Police Officers job is to insure that the accused is given his right to present his case before the judicial system in order to render judgment.

 

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According to John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

 

Note:  A Policeman’s job requires him to place himself between the oppressor and the innocent.

 

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According to Romans 13:4:  “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.”

 

Note:  God has placed the Policeman in his position in order to show a reflection of God’s Love.  And in the responsibility of that Love, when those who break the God ordained laws of the land (God has overseen them, see Daniel 2:21), they are to be placed in the jurisdiction of the courts of the land for the appearance of the violation of those laws.

 

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According to Second Corinthians 10:6, “And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

 

Note:  A Policeman is to enforce, through the arrestment process, the laws of the land.

 

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According to Second Corinthians 13:1, “This is the third time I am coming to you.  In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

 

Note:  A Policeman should always be willing to hear both or all sides.  See Matthew 18:16 Note.

 

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According to Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

 

Note:  Sometimes it is favorable for a Policeman to let small incidents to be overlooked for the benefit of an otherwise good citizen.  A Policeman’s job is sometimes not always black and white or night and day; but the grey and in-between, and he is to enforce the law and not necessarily the leter of the law.

 

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According to Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

 

Note:  A Policeman must determine in the field through prayer to seek God’s Wisdom and knowledge if he is dealing with Satanic agencies.  All crimes are based upon rebellion against man’s and God’s Law.  Therefore, a person must be armed with the armor of God both to protect himself -- and for the Policeman -- to protect himself and the public in spiritual as well as physical warfare.

 

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C) THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF POLICEMEN

 

 

Commandment One (Exodus 20:3) = Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

 

Note:  No Policeman should accept gratuities (bribes).  There is man’s law and God’s Law and sometimes they conflict (Such as:  When the precinct asks a Policeman to not arrest a certain person).  So the Policeman’s response is, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Creaser’s; and unto God the things that are God’s,” Matthew 22:21, thus keeping his responsibility to the authorities and honoring God.  Thereby the Policeman places God’s Law above man’s law.

 

Commandment Two (Exodus 20:4-6) = “[4] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; [6] And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My Commandments.

 

Note:  A Policeman cannot put his own selfish desires above that of the people he serves and God.

 

Commandment Three (Exodus 20:7) = Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.

 

Note:  A Policeman must be cordial and respectful, whether a criminal or the average citizen.  All people, whether superiors or bums on the street, must be treated with respect of persons and an even-tempered language.  This will give the glory back to God.

 

Commandment Four (Exodus 20:8-11) = “[8] Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [10] But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God:  in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: ]11] For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day:  wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

Note:  Policeman are like the military or the doctors and nurses, in that they are always on call when needed or shorthanded.  If needed upon the Sabbath Day, a Policeman must adjust to the situation.  A friend of mine, being a Policeman, takes the time on Sabbath, when he can, to look at nature even though speeding to a situation.  He looks at God’s handywork to help calm him while patrolling.

 

Commandment Five (Exodus 20:12) = Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

 

Note:  A Policeman does not do anything to discredit his heritage.

 

Commandment Six (Exodus 20:13) = Thou shalt not kill.

 

Note:  A Policeman only uses deadly force as a last resort to protect both himself and to preserve the lives of the innocent.

 

Commandment Seven (Exodus 20:14) = Thou shalt not commit adultery.

 

Note:  A Policeman is true to himself, his or her spouse, his department, and does not forsake God; or bring discredit to any parties.

 

Commandment Eight (Exodus 20:15) = Thou shalt not steal.

 

Note:  The difference between a “robbery” suspect and a “burglary” suspect is that with a “robbery” another person is present and there is violence; whereas with a “burglary” suspect (the Bibles “thief”) articles are stolen without anyone else present and there is no violence.  Thus, in the Biblical sense, “Thou shalt not steal” would cover both instances and a Policeman must arrest both parties.

 

Commandment Nine (Exodus 20:16) = Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

 

Note:  A Police officer should never lie.  He should not be a screen-writer, such that the story gets changed in order to benefit themselves or any other individual.  He should always stick to the facts and let the judiciary system determine the outcome (The Police officer enforces the law and not the judgment of the law).

 

Commandment Ten (Exodus 20:17) = Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

 

Note:  A Police officers’ job is not to be persuaded by a person’s financial, political, or status in life, but to administer equal treatment to all.  “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”  Luke 3:14.  With the advise of John the Baptist, a Policeman should be happy with the things he owns and God has blessed him with.

 

When a Policeman ends his shift, he is hopeful and tankful that he was able to represent God by being able to touch at least one individual in a positive way -- then he has had a good day.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR POLICEMEN

 

 

Commandment One (Exodus 20:3) = Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

 

Note:  No Policeman should accept gratuities (bribes).  There is man's law and God's Law and sometimes they conflict (Such as:  When the precinct asks a Policeman to not arrest a certain person).  So the Policeman's response is, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Creaser's; and unto God the things that are God's," Matthew 22:21, thus keeping his responsibility to the authorities and honoring God.  Thereby the Policeman places God's Law above man's law.

 

Commandment Two (Exodus 20:4-6) = Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:  for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; [6] And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My Commandments.

 

Note:  A Policeman cannot put his own selfish desires above that of the people he serves and God.

 

Commandment Three (Exodus 20:7) = Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain.

 

Note:  A Policeman must be cordial and respectful, whether a criminal or the average citizen.  All people, whether superiors or bums on the street, must be treated with respect of persons and an even-tempered language.  This will give the glory back to God.

 

Commandment Four (Exodus 20:8-11) = Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [10] But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God:  in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: ]11] For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day:  wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

Note:  Policeman are like the military or the doctors and nurses, in that they are always on call when needed or shorthanded.  If needed upon the Sabbath Day, a Policeman must adjust to the situation.  A friend of mine, being a Policeman, takes the time on Sabbath, when he can, to look at nature even though speeding to a situation.  He looks at God's handywork to help calm him while patrolling.

 

Commandment Five (Exodus 20:12) = Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

 

Note:  A Policeman does not do anything to discredit his heritage.

 

Commandment Six (Exodus 20:13) = Thou shalt not kill.

 

Note:  A Policeman only uses deadly force as a last resort to protect both himself and to preserve the lives of the innocent.

 

Commandment Seven (Exodus 20:14) = Thou shalt not commit adultery.

 

Note:  A Policeman is true to himself, his or her spouse, his department, and does not forsake God; or bring discredit to any parties.

 

Commandment Eight (Exodus 20:15) = Thou shalt not steal.

 

Note:  The difference between a "robbery" suspect and a "burglary" suspect is that with a "robbery" another person is present and there is violence; whereas with a "burglary" suspect (the Bibles "thief") articles are stolen without anyone else present and there is no violence.  Thus, in the Biblical sense, "Thou shalt not steal" would cover both instances and a Policeman must arrest both parties.

 

Commandment Nine (Exodus 20:16) = Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

 

Note:  A Police officer should never lie.  He should not be a screen-writer, such that the story gets changed in order to benefit themselves or any other individual.  He should always stick to the facts and let the judiciary system determine the outcome (The Police officer enforces the law and not the judgment of the law).

 

Commandment Ten (Exodus 20:17) = Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

 

Note:  A Police officers' job is not to be persuaded by a person's financial, political, or status in life, but to administer equal treatment to all.  "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."  Luke 3:14.  With the advise of John the Baptist, a Policeman should be happy with the things he owns and God has blessed him with.

 

 

When a Policeman ends his shift, he is hopeful and tankful that he was able to represent God by being able to touch at least one individual in a positive way -- then he has had a good day.

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