What Prompted Writing? Jim’s Personal Journey in Faith.

When I retired from law enforcement, I had no plans to write a book or create a ministry to the law enforcement family and beyond. I thought I would spend my time training and breeding German Shepherds.

But over the years I have learned Solomon’s proverb to be true. “We may cast the lot but the Lord determines how they fall.”

As I began to train my first dog I could not ignore the daily impressions I received from God. As I thought about writing, I discounted my ability to produce a book. Taking on such a project looked like Goliath to me.

While out on a bike ride God reminded me that my computer was filled with files that could be used to illustrate biblical truth.

As I arrived home from my ride, I sat on the couch, opened my laptop and began to cut and paste stories into one document that ultimately became the beginning of a manuscript. My granddaughter sat on the couch next to me and 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, I closed my computer after compiling the outline for twenty-one chapters without writing anything new.

“Ok Lord, I get it,” I prayed. “I’ll write, but you need to direct my path. Every story I tell needs to have purpose.”

I typically look to three areas when discerning God’s will in my life:

1. Prayer and meditation
2. Studying Scripture
3. Seeking wise counsel

My prayers were answered. I placed very little strategy in chapter development or sequence. Every day when I went for a bike ride, I asked for the Lord’s guidance. Without fail, by the time I returned home, I had a chapter outline in my mind and Scriptural references to be used as teaching points.

The affirmation I received put wind in my sails. That’s a good thing, because I experienced several trials during the process. Trials that frequently had me doubt God’s blessing upon my work. But each time I had doubts, God seemed to place me in one divine appointment after another.

The Spirit behind Badge 145, contains thirty-one chapters. It is designed to provide a devotional every day of the month. Each chapter contains a war story of sorts followed by correlating biblical principles.

The spinoff ministry at www.badge145.com contains bi-weekly blogs (or more) designed to minister to any person who desires to follow Christ, but I use my background in law enforcement to illustrate biblical principles.

Fast forward a few years and additional books, Justice Revealed and Jurisdiction became reality. Justice Revealed is the result of daily journals during moments of Bible study. When Jesus taught in parables, he did so using illustrations. That is how he wired me to learn, so I have used varying illustrative teaching methods to transmit biblical truth in easily digestible portions. Jurisdiction was a collaboration with my older brother who was a pastor for 45 years. The books tackles the sovereignty of God in illustrative ways that will capture your attention and encourage your faith.

I have also been inspired to write articles for the online publications, Law Officer, Law Enforcement Today and Christian Devotions. My post-police officer “writing career” has led to roles as managing editor of Law Enforcement Today, and currently with Law Officer. 

God can use each one of us. It doesn’t matter if we face Goliath, or an Army of thousands. For greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world.

While this sounds easy, I admit it’s difficult. Serving without expectation of reciprocation goes against the natural grain for most people; me included! 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