The Legacy of Billy Graham

These were some of the headlines of news releases yesterday: From U.S. News: “Billy Graham, America's pastor, has died”; From CNN: “Billy Graham, whose 'matchless voice changed the lives of millions,' dies at 99; NBC News: “Billy Graham, evangelist, pastor and counselor to presidents, dead at age 99”.

No words of defamation. No words of scandal. No words of scorn. Only words of character, honor, dignity and integrity about a true servant of God who had the biggest heart for winning people to Christ. He redefined American life by popularizing Christianity's core message — Christ died for your sins — downplaying denominational details and proclaiming the joys found in faith.

The accolades inspired me to write this post today. Only God knows the number of souls that came into a relationship with Jesus of Billy Graham's life and message. My earliest memories of Billy Graham were of hearing his message of placing our lives in the hands of God, and then the song "Just As I Am" would be sung by the massive choir, and there would be droves of people who went forward to receive Christ as their Savior.

Two years ago, I was walking through the halls of Northwestern University, St. Paul, MN, while at the NCFCA National Speech & Debate Competition with my grandchildren. I passed this portrait of Billy Graham many times. I knew I needed to take a photo of it. His portrait is 2nd in line of all the other presidents. In 1947, at age 30, Billy Graham became the 2nd president there, and at the time, was the youngest person to serve as a sitting president of any U.S. college or university. He served as president from 1948 to 1952 when he resigned to become a full-time minister.

I thought about his legacy, the seeds he planted in the future generations there, and how that legacy laid the foundation of "seed time and harvest" of his future. While Billy has crossed his finish line, those young people in that university and the rest of us who were impacted by his ministry, will continue to plant seeds that will influence others for Christ. Surely this scripture applies: "Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit." John 12:24.

Billy Graham's heart for reaching out to the masses with the love of Jesus could not be confined to a university. He carried it to the world and millions came to know Christ because of his message. No doubt, the heavenly choirs were assembled and the bands were already tuning up for Billy’s grand entrance into heaven. Hearing about his passing and remembering those halls of Northwestern University, has increased my own desire to live with a determined purpose to know Christ more and to share His love passionately.

A General of Faith went home yesterday, but we’re still here to pick up the baton he left for us to run with. That baton in our hands is the same baton Christ gave us and it is to continue to spread the Good News, sow into this generation encouragement and help steer them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Then we, too, will not only impact this generation, but the generations to come.

With all the scandalous stories of high profile individuals that seem to come down the pipe daily, it gives me such appreciation for someone (anyone) who stays the course of faithfulness to God and family, who lives what he preaches, and who lives with passion of taking as many souls with him to heaven as possible.

In his autobiography, Just As I Am, he wrote, "If anything has been accomplished through my life, it has been solely God's doing, not mine, and He-not I-must get the credit." Along with God's words to Billy when he entered the pearly gates, I'm joining in with mine, too! "Well done, good and faithful servant, Billy Graham. Thank you, God, for giving us a true and faithful role model to follow." RIP, Billy Graham.

Springs of Living Water

Day 89 of Photo Inspirations -- Springs of Living Water
Each year I MUST have my annual family photo taken. This one was at the BOK Bear Plaza fountain.  To my grandchildren's delight, the fountain wasn't on, so they could climb all over the bears.  It made for such a great family adventure.

I passed by that landmark just a few days ago and the waters were flowing freely.  I thought about my photo moments just a few months before, but I also thought about the free-flowing "Living Water".  This is Holy Week, the last week of Christ's life, remembering especially His passion and resurrection, and the "Living Water" He gave during His short 33 years of life on earth.

He had been the "Living Water" to those He healed, those He restored to life, those He gave a new future, and those He forgave and made whole.  And those who drank His living water, never thirst again.

I think about the story of the woman of Samaria who had made many mistakes, and when she came to the well for natural water, she left with "Living Water".  Her story is our story too.  It's a story where God finds us also worthy of His love in spite of our mistakes.  As a result of the encounter with Jesus, she, who had been an outcast from her own people, found out what TRUE LOVE is all about.  To be wanted, to be cared for when no one, not even herself, could see anything of value in her -- was grace indeed.   Jesus told her:  "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks THE water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, THE water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:13

And, THAT "Living Water" she experienced could not be held in, she became an evangelist of Jesus when she ran to tell others about Him.  "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony" John 4:39-42

And those words are an invitation that should echo in our ears, too. Jesus stands at the doors of our hearts, offering to us these "living waters".  "If ANYONE is thirsty, let him come to ME and drink."  The first requirement is thirst.  It is an inate part of our humanity -- to have a spiritual thirst.  And, that thirst, is what we bring to our relationship with God.  Drinking that LIVING WATER means aligning with Him, trusting Him, receiving, and believing in Him.  When we believe, we open our hearts to receive what his grace offers. I urge you today..."Come on in.....THE WATER IS FINE!"

We Will Change the World

What a Motley Crew the disciples were. There's Peter -- one minute he was walking on water by faith, and the next, he was sinking in doubts. He was impulsive, emotional, and, then His worst failure was denying Jesus. And, then there’s Matthew, a dishonest tax collector. And, you gotta’ love Thomas who, to this date, is known as “doubting Thomas". But, then....old things passed away. Peter became a bold evangelist/missionary and one of the greatest leaders of the early church. Matthew heard Jesus words, “Follow me”, and he left everything and obeyed. His eyewitness account, is the first Gospel of the New Testament. And, I love that Thomas, though he initially doubted the resurrection, became a man of great faith. He found the truth and also became a great evangelist and missionary. Yes, they changed the world.

And here we are 2,000+ years later -- do you see in this photo how Jesus is pointing His finger at you and me? Though this is a photo and script from "The Bible Series", the message is clear….God is calling US to change our world, also. Though we may have hang-ups, fears, doubts, and other character flaws, and even, like Peter, deny our Lord by our actions, the transforming power of Christ can change US from being a member of the Motley Crew to dynamic and devoted followers of Christ. Like Peter, Matthew, Thomas, and the millions of others throughout the ages.....let's heed the call, and do our part. Could it be that's why God put us here, at this time, to carry on the message, and be a WORLD CHANGER, too?