Chad M. Barrett

We know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

Today, for Christmas, my Pastor gave me a copy of The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham (bibliographical info. below). I was so excited that I started reading the book this afternoon. After all, what pastor, or Christian for that matter, wouldn't want to dive into an opportunity to learn something about the great evangelist?

The first chapter discusses some of the events in Billy Graham's life that served as a "crucible;" events that shaped Billy Graham into the great evangelist that he is. As I read, I felt sadness becasue I haven't been through the crucible in the same way that Billy Graham has. I find myself, as I am typing, yearning for God to break me down in a way similar to that described in the book.

What I want, more than anything, is an authentic relationship with God. I don't want to go through the crucible because I have to. I don't want to experience something that isn't authentic. On the contrary, I am looking, yearning really to have the type of authentic relationship with God that's described in the book. I want more... I want deeper... I want authentic...

Shouldn't everyone?

The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham by Harold Myra and Marshall Shelley
Copyright 2005 by Christianity Today International
Available from Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan