Billy Graham in Quotes - A Review

Where does one start?

If you've read or have heard Dr. Graham before you know the way he has with words. This book highlight, perhaps, the best of what Dr. Graham has had to say in his long life as an evangelist.

In the book, Dr. Graham is quoted on a wide variety of topics such as: Sin, Salvation, the world, Jesus, young people, family, evil, money, and a whole lot more!

What you read is straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred, and uncompromising. Billy says what he means, means what he says for sure.

To quote: "If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out to it and compromised with it." - From the chapter Billy Graham on compromise.

My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is the structure of the book itself. More to the point, how the chapters are ordered. Perhaps I've ready way to many Christian books, but it is odd to find Jesus in the middle of the book, rather than at the end. Or maybe not!

One thing is for sure, I can say this isn't a book you would regret taking the time to read. It will both inspire and challenge you, for which you will be all the more better because of it.

And as always: I have received this book free for my review through Booksneeze. In no way was my review influenced by the author or publisher of this book. For more information please visit: Booksneeze.com

Ministry Today - the magazine

First, did you even know there was a magazine called "Ministry Today?"

You can check them out HERE!

But let me back up a second...

I am a sucker for kids selling stuff.  Maybe because I had to sell ads and wreaths growing up and hated every second of it - I am NOT a salesman.  Whatever the reason, if I answer the door - you'll probably make a sale!

The long/short of it: I subscribed to Ministry Today...as I was starting (still working on) my ministry and thought maybe this mag could help.

My thoughts?

It's just another magazine.

Articles to sell ads.

The cover looks no different than what you'd expect for any other magazine - a list of articles promising the latest fad or "technique" to do __________ (whatever you are looking to do).

Really?

Sure the "content" is different, yet the style and execution is exactly the same.  My current issue states the following on the cover:  "Discover IHOP-KC'S Strategy for: Keeping platform ministry pure, spirit-led children's ministry, fasting more effectively...

What?

Fasting more effectively?

How is that different than when Men's Health has an article on: More effective push-ups?

I hate to be cynical (okay, maybe I don't) but what the he(xx)?

Effective fasting?

Have we reduced following Christ to "effective fasting?"

Want to know how your music can "go beyond worship?"  (also in this edition)

I'm not sure what I expected, but I know it WASN'T this.

But before I get tooooooooo cynical, I take the words of Jesus to heart: Those who aren't against us, are for us.

So, while I may disagree with their methods (as I'm sure they would certainly disagree with mine) I leave it to God to decide.  If he is cool with it, than I will be as well - though I don't have to support them by renewing my subscription, which I won't.

Are nuggets of gold to be found?

I'm sure...in fact, I found an article written by a friend's pastor (which I gave him the issue).  If even for that fact, alone, the magazine is worth it.

When it all comes down to it - who am I to knock them down?

If this magazine might possibly influence the new Billy Graham, than I shall humbly step out of the way....

First Cup

The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'
~ Billy Graham

Billy Graham vs. The Devil

How many times when you went to church for your Christmas service did you hear the devil mentioned...by name even? (as Billy Graham does in the video below)

I can't remember any...

That is one thing that certainly is missing from the pulpit - the devil. (sometimes he gets a passing mention)

Oh, I suppose it is a bit silly, right? The devil. Really? C'mon, no way. That's kids stuff.

Do you believe in Good and Evil? If so, where do you think evil comes from? Just us and our sinful nature?

(Sinful nature is a whole other topic that we'll come back to.)

Throughout his book Billy (can I call him Billy?) spoke about being attacked by the devil, being tripped up, or discovering obstacles in his way, put there by the devil. Oh, the devil didn't win against Billy...if it wasn't for Billy's faith and trust in God and (as he admits) the others in the ministry who picked him up when he was down, and helped him stand when he wanted to sit, the devil might have won.

Billy talked about the devil. Spoke about the devil. Brought the devil into the light!

NO WONDER he was attacked. (Billy never fully went into details how the devil attacked him, but personally, I have felt a few attacks and can only imagine what Mr. Graham had gone through)

Sure, even now, I "Feel" silly even writing out the name...why is that? If I believe in God, is it so hard to believe in Satan?

For one, because we hardly talk about him anymore. Which is the worst thing we could do. It easy to forget about him because, well, he hides in the shadows...out of sight, out of mind - which is just where he wants to be.

The devil doesn't shout, like God he whispers...of course he says VERY VERY different things. The devil's best trick, is to make you think YOU thought of it. "It" being whatever sin he wants you to do.

The devil's other good trick...the sin is usually something small. He won't throw you into the deep end until you learn how to at least doggy-paddle.

That's where Jesus comes in.

The devil might get you to sin, ever now and again - and he will, we don't need to be burdened by it. We don't need to be a slave to it. We have a way of "noticing" it and seeing it and knowing that it isn't US that is feeling and thinking that way, but the great deceiver.

We need more and more like Billy to bring the devil out into the light...to show him...to reveal him.

The devils more than just a boogeyman or a monster under your bed that you grow to forget about. The devil is real...but he'd rather you not think of him. And if you don't want to feel his attacks, do just that! Forget about him and you'll never notice him.

But you will notice something...something won't be right...but the devil will help you find a way to forget about it - tv, beer, food, clothing, new fancy gadgets...YAY! (no, in and of themselves each item is NOT bad, but they are if we over indulge in them)

Do you, even now, get the thought "geez, that is the dumbest thing I ever heard...the devil. Ha!"

Me too.

Wonder why?

A Christmas Message from Billy Graham - 1952

Happy Birthday Mr. Graham!

Billy Graham turns 91 this Sunday...

Our Economic Stimulus Plan...

This past weekend, Half Price Books had a HUGE book sale. No, not just a huge book for sale, but a huge sale of books.

Actually, it was books, dvd’s, cd’s, LP’s etc.

NOTHING was over $3.00! Three is almost Free!

There were rows upon rows upon rows of everything…

Of course we picked up quite a bit of stuff:

Among some of our purchases included cookbooks, craft books, and gifts for others.

One thing I picked up was Billy Graham's Autobiography: Just as I am.

It's a hefty book.

I just started it last night...so far it's pretty interesting.

Even when he "recommitted" to God, he didn't FEEL much of anything...of course, he got ribbed at school about it - there was even a joke made about "here comes our Pastor Graham".

I honestly do not know much about the man. I was aware of him - you'd have to live under a rock not to - but I can't say I ever heard a sermon of his, and if I did, I don't remember it.

If I come across anything else I'll be sure to pass it along!

If you’ve heard a message from him, or learned something about/from him, pass it along!