March 22 Thought for Today – “Because He First Loved Me” Because He First Loved Me David #625 South Dakota Municipal Law Enforcement I first met Jesus at Bible camp when I was about seven years old. One night during a dramatic presentation the Lord spoke to my heart and I accepted Jesus as the Truth. When I was ten my dad, who was a police office, divorced mom which hurt, but really didn’t make much of a change in my life as he was gone often. I completed obligatory religion classes at our church, but didn’t attend regularly on Sundays. I began questioning the truth of the Bible and the existence of God around that time. I was trying to prove I was right by reading my Bible more (I wasn’t). At every step God tried to show me how much he loved me and wanted me as his son, but I didn’t listen. My rebellion continued through high school and into college, with all the usual thirst for instant gratification. For as long as I could remember I had wanted to go into law enforcement, and became a recruit in early 1993. I earned the honor graduate award, and worked hard my first probationary year to be the best officer I could. When my probation ended I went back to the frivolity of my high school and college days; drinking too much and leaving my wife home alone. We split and nearly divorced until she told me she was pregnant with our first child. I tried to pull it together on my own but couldn’t – I lacked a relationship with my savior. Facing the loss of my wife, my unborn daughter and my job, I finally recognized God’s claim on my life. He used some truly amazing people to free me from the chains which had bound me so long. Now I love Jesus because he first loved me. I love my wife, my daughter and my son. I wish I could tell you that I walk in complete obedience to my Master’s call every day, but I don’t. However, I am working out my salvation daily with fear and trembling through the power of the Holy Spirit. At age seven I made Jesus my savior; today he also is my lord. I have come to know that without Christ I am nothing and could not face each day. To all believers, please remember we must reach out to those near to us, shining our light for all to see. Don’t leave your brothers and sisters in the dark. Tell them how much Jesus has done for both you and them. Walk the walk, talk the talk, repent when you miss the mark, and make amends to those you’ve hurt! As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1 (This story appears on March 22 in the daily devotional, Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street. The book is available in either print or e-book form. Check with your local bookstore or order online at Amazon.)
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:12:34 +0000
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