I met Eddie 3 1/2 years ago, when he began coming to our church after getting "Saved". (Acts 2:21 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.') He was in my Sunday School class and I took to him instantly. Not knowing anything of Eddie's past, we began to talk after class and he would call me "Ernie Brother" as opposed to Brother Ernie (which is common in a church setting). Unbeknownst to Eddie, "Ernie Brother" was a nick name given to me by my oldest sister after my mom brought me home from the hospital. My mother told my sister that; "this is your brother Ernie" and she said; "Ernie Brother" and it stuck!
Today I visited Eddie in the local detention center, where he is serving a ninety day sentence for something he did five years ago - our justice system in action. While visiting with him, he told me that he shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ whenever he can. Now Eddie is a stout, loud, assertive man, and when he talks the inmates listen! I told him that if we met nine years ago when I was with the Palm each County Sheriff's Office, we would have been on opposite sides of the law and enemies. However, now (I told Eddie) you are one of three people I can count on in a moments notice for help.
As we both wiped away a tear, I began to think that I was once on the right side of the law and Eddie on the wrong side, but I was on the wrong side of God's Law (Ten Commandments). Eddie told me that the guys (other detainees) don't get it. They think they need to get better so they won't have to come back here - thats the lie! The Bible says the heart (of every man) is deceitfully (translated: incurably) wicked and God doesn't make us "better or good", He "transforms" us (Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.) by changing the way we think.
I remember being so proud of being a Deputy, and nothing wrong with that, however I was a hypocrite. I openly broke many of God's Commandments, and quite frankly, if you break one you have broken them all the Bible says. I didn't want to be a hypocrite, but I was.
I was on the right side of man's law, but just as doomed as Eddie was behind bars in jail when he was caught. I too, would be "caught" at Judgement Day. It was then that I put my trust / faith in Jesus Christ and repented of my sins (which were many).
My Friends, call upon His Name while He is "Still Near" this Christmas Season. If you do please call me to let me know @ 706-835-7941. If you are calling to chew me out, don't bother, I still get that too...
Happy Holidays? Theres only ONE!!! Merry Christmas
ernie brother
Thank you Ernie for your blog. Your past life experiences and your knowledge of the bible, along with your walk with Jesus always makes my walk and learning a step closer to where I want to be with Christ. I enjoy spending time with you and Carey (everyone)because all of you radiate the love for Christ, and Jeff and I always learn something new about the bible from both of you. We thank our heavenly father for putting the Kamber family with ours.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Eddie, he always comments how he can relate with you. I beleive that Eddie is planting some seeds about God to those men, and I pray that eventaully they will see the light of God.
Love you, Terri