Emphasis Preaching Journal

The woman in this story had been forgiven much and, as a result of her experience of God's grace, she loved and served much! We know people who have really messed up their lives, have taken a hard look at themselves, have sensed forgiveness, and have come back with real caring and love toward other people and God.

Harold Hughes, a former senator from Iowa, is a good example. He started his life as a truck driver and, before long, became an alcoholic. He went to the lowest levels of life. In fact, once he said he had broken every one of the Ten Commandments except for literally killing someone. It was Jesus Christ who turned his life around. Hughes defeated his alcoholism and went on to become governor of Iowa. After serving as governor, he was elected to several terms as U.S. Senator from the same state.

One day, he announced he was going to give up his position in the Senate because he really wanted to become influential. He went to work full-time in the Christian faith -- not as a minister in a particular church, but by personally talking with people, meeting to influence and support Christian leaders at breakfast meetings, and speaking across the country.