Davids Story

On October 28, 2013 David went to be with Jesus. He was doing something he loved to do, ride his motorcycle, heading home to his wife and looking forward to the call he was about to make. They had just found the house of their dreams and he couldn’t wait to put the wheels in motion. Little did he know that in a matter of seconds, he would be standing before Jesus in his eternal home after he lost control as he rounded a curve, hit the guard rail and instantly entered into eternity.

A procession of vehicles two and a half miles long made its way from Knoxville to Seymour for the final resting place of our dear son. Hundreds of onlookers held signs or saluted, honoring him. It was a tremendous source of comfort. An even greater source of comfort is the fact that we know where David really is. He is not dead, rather, he is more alive than he has ever been! The other picture you see on this cover is the light that came down on us as we stood in front of the lodge after the funeral. We believe it was a sign from our gracious Lord, letting us know that David was safely with Him.

How do we know that? The Bible says, "Absent from the body, Present with the Lord". Does that mean that we automatically go to heaven upon our death? No. Our default destination is Hell because of sin. Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God". Sin brings death. Romans 6:23 says “for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. God cannot allow sin in Heaven, but He does provide a way. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

That way is the "cross" where Jesus died to save us from our sin and a Christless eternity. We cannot work our way to heaven. It comes as a free gift. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your- selves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph 2:8-9. Not only do we spend eternity with Him but He also gives us victory in this very difficult life here on earth. That doesn't mean things are easy, but regardless of what life brings our way, we know that our future is secure. The Bible says that our life here is like a vapor that appears for a moment, then passes away. Eternity however is forever and ever and ever, and our little minds find it hard to grasp just how long eternity is. David lived a very short 27 years. He realized his desire to have a wonderful wife and become a police officer. But this life was just a warm up for the exciting life he is living now in heaven and will live for eternity. David had a great work ethic, and he had his priorities straight. He loved his Lord first, his wife second and the Knoxville Police Department third. He cared about the guys he worked with too. They had some very nice things to say about him, that he was a “go-getter” who would do anything for you. If he worked the morning shift, he would happily start a few minutes early to take a call that otherwise would fall to another officer finishing up an overnight patrol. He’d say, “What can I do to get you home on time?” A fireman told us that although he did not really know David, he was impressed that the few times they were at the same accident, he would come over and ask if he was all right. Less than a month before he died, he responded to a residential alarm where he surprised a burglary suspect walking out the back door with a flat screen TV. The burglar dropped the TV and ran but David caught him after a lengthy foot chase. This burglar was connected to several other burglaries and this arrest earned David the “Officer of the month” for October. He was awarded a  commendation which was given to his wife, at his funeral. The Police Chief called him a hard worker, passionate and strong in his faith. David was a "fixer". He loved to solve problems and share his "wisdom". Of course, he didn't mind giving a little pop on his siren as he arrived home in the early hours to make sure the rest of us at the ranch were up too! He was fun, loved to tease but he had his serious side and cared about people. His height could be intimidating, and he enjoyed helping out at church by backing up the security when needed by putting on his official persona.

David appreciated the seriousness of his job and enjoyed figuring out every scenario that could possibly happen at a stop. He also knew the importance of securing his future.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior when he was younger, and he lived his faith. That's why he had his affairs in order down here, and also for where he would spend eternity in the event God should call him home. As horrible as our loss of David is, we do have the assurance that we will see him again one day. Do you have that assurance? Do you know Jesus? There is a wonderful book called "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn that will open your eyes as to what is ahead and how important it is to make sure of your destination. We spend weeks planning a vacation, years planning a career, months planning a wedding but for eternity we make no plans. That makes no sense at all. If  David could speak to you now, and he is, through this story, he would tell you to make those plans, do the research! Read the scripture or speak to a friend who knows Jesus and find out how you can have that assurance that you will spend eternity with Jesus, and David.

Before David went to be with the Lord, his father, Tom, who served in Vietnam had claimed a promise in Psalm 67. “God be merciful to us and bless us and cause your face to shine upon us”. After the funeral, back at the ranch, Tom, Betty and some others were standing beside the flags when Tom noticed a bright light shining into his face. He thought a cloud had moved and exposed the sun. At the same time Karen, a good friend was leaving the ranch and turned and took a picture of the flags at half-mast. when a beam of light came down and was caught on camera, which you see on this cover. We believe it was the Lord encouraging us, that David is with Him in Heaven.

If David’s story has opened your eyes to your spiritual condition and you realize that you too are a sinner in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ, won’t you ask Him into your heart and life today? He is waiting for that invitation to be Lord of your life on this earth where you can experience joy and victory here and be assured of your heavenly home with Him for eternity. To receive Christ as your Savior and Lord, simply invite Him in by praying something like this:

“Lord, I know I’m a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that you died for me, was buried and rose again. I want to turn from my sins, invite you into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior, In Jesus name, Amen”