I wish I could make a direct call to my heavenly Father. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. – Psalm 145:18
But he speaks to me through Scripture … All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16
… through prayer, and by the wise counsel of others When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17
God always has a worthwhile message. I’ll take good notes and try to pass along something of value!
Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Isaiah 44:6
This is the story of Jim’s personal journey in faith and how it led to writing and ministry. After retiring from law enforcement, there were no plans to become an author or create a ministry. The initial plan was to focus on training and breeding German Shepherds. However, as time passed, the wisdom of Solomon’s proverb became clear: “We may cast the lot but the Lord determines how they fall.”
As the training began with the first dog, daily impressions from God became undeniable. The thought of writing seemed daunting, a task as large as Goliath. But during a bike ride, God brought to mind the computer files filled with content that could illustrate biblical truth. Upon returning home, the laptop was opened, and the process of cutting and pasting stories into a single document began. This became the foundation of a manuscript.
My granddaughter asked, “What are you doing Papa?”
“Well sweetie, I think I’m writing a book,” I replied.
“Oh how fun. Will you read it to me?”
Four hours later, after compiling an outline for twenty-one chapters without writing anything new, a prayer was offered: “Ok Lord, I get it. I’ll write, but you need to direct my path. Every story I tell needs to have purpose.”
Typically, discerning God’s will involves three key areas:
The prayers were answered. There was very little strategy involved in chapter development or sequence. Each day, guidance was sought during a bike ride. Invariably, by the time home was reached, a chapter outline and Scriptural references for teaching points were clear. The affirmation received was encouraging. This was especially important because there were several trials experienced during the process, trials that often led to doubts about God’s blessing upon the work. But each time doubts arose, God seemed to orchestrate divine appointments.
The Spirit behind Badge 145 contains thirty-one chapters, designed as a devotional for each day of the month. Each chapter includes a story followed by correlating biblical principles. The ministry at www.badge145.com features bi-weekly blogs (or more) aimed at ministering to anyone seeking to follow Christ, using a background in law enforcement to illustrate biblical principles.
Fast forward a few years, and Justice Revealed became a reality. It is the result of daily journals during moments of Bible study. Just as Jesus taught in parables using illustrations, varying illustrative teaching methods have been used to transmit biblical truth in easily digestible portions. Inspiration has also come in the form of writing articles for online publications like Law Enforcement Today and Christian Devotions.
God can use each one of us, regardless of the size of the challenge. For greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world. While this sounds easy, it’s often difficult. Serving without expectation of reciprocation goes against the natural grain for most people, including myself! I ask God to help me die to myself while I live for him! That is my goal.
Thank you for listening as I share my story, and continue to write often for his eternal glory!
-Jim
Buy Justice Revealed
Buy The Spirit behind Badge 145
Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2014
I am not around right now. But you can send me an email and I will get back to you asap.