September 3, 2024 – Daily Devotional
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” -Psalm 130:7
Jason DeFord has lived a difficult life. Jason battled drug and alcohol addiction from an early age. His first encounter with the police was at age 14. From age 14 to 39, Jason was in and out of jail. He was in a jail cell when he learned about the birth of his daughter. That moment opened his heart to change. He said it was like the moment “when Saul turned into Paul on the Damascus Road.”
Jason decided to use his talents and creativity to become a good father who could support and care for others. He began the hard work of becoming sober and changing his habits. He poured himself into music, and soon Jason DeFord, also known as Jelly Roll, would find himself a worldwide musical success. Jelly Roll has gone from prison to winning Grammy Awards. In 2023, he won the Country Music Association award for New Artist of the Year. His story is an amazing story of redemption and success.
The greatest success for Jelly Roll is not his accomplishments in the music industry but rather the personal change he has undergone. He has journeyed from addict and criminal to a person who now works tirelessly to help others overcome their circumstances. He uses his newfound popularity to encourage others. Jelly Roll is often found performing in prisons, rehab facilities, and juvenile facilities. He is so grateful for where his life is now that he wants to help others find success and redemption.
Jelly Roll’s thankful and generous actions are not limited to prisons and rehab facilities. This past week, he and his band were in Utah to play a concert. While in town, seeing the sights, he spotted three young children running a lemonade stand. Jelly Roll decided to stop, get out of the car, and talk with the kids. After a great visit, Jelly Roll left a $700.00 tip for the three young entrepreneurs.
The promise of our faith is that God is with us. God is with us through our challenges. God is at work within us to bring us to a life of gratitude and generosity. Jelly Roll has journeyed from prisoner to one who helps to set captives free. Change and redemption are possible for everyone because of the One who redeems us and gives us grace for the journey. When we experience this work of God, we can then experience the joy of helping others experience the joy of redemption.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
