Yet recently my preacher said the best thing a man can do for his family is to love the Lord. Then the Lord gives that person the ability to love others with His love. This is a more powerful truth!
Tonight at prayer meeting, we prayed for God to give us a genuine love for Him. My mind instantly thought of the words on top of Jim's memorial stone "Love Christ More Deeply". And also the two engraved hands clenched in prayer. And familar tears came as memories flooded my mind: Jim on his knees pouring out his heart to God & taking us with him to the throne. I mean it would feel like we were surrounded by the presence of God and lifted up to heaven. When Jim was done, he'd rise up, telling the boys good night. Then as he walked through the doorway, he'd turn and say, "I love you, but I love God more." And down the hallway he'd walk. Then I would make the boys settle down to sleep.
Precious memories! "I love you, but I love God more." And his footsteps down the hall. One could even call it a foreshadowing. Jim wrapping us up in prayer and reminding us of the importance of loving God most, then leaving. The boys and I staying behind.
Yes, Jim's love for God made all the difference. Not just in our lives with him. But our lives here without him. I see the influence of his love for God in my sons' lives, even my youngest son who was born after his daddy was in heaven. The prayers of his daddy's heart are immortal and the legacy of Jim's love for God lives on.
Love God.
Love Him more deeply.
It makes all the difference.
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