R.T. Kendall - Finding Your Hearts Desire: Ambition, Motivation and True Success

You may think this book is my autobiography. It is, in a sense.

Nearly all of my books are conceived in my mind years before the actual writing. Approximately twenty years ago one of my deacons at Westminster Chapel began saying to me that he hoped I would write a book on the subject of ambition. I cannot say that any bells rang, but I kept his suggestion in mind. Some two or three years ago another deacon from Westminster Chapel said virtually the same thing to me: Would I please consider writing a book on ambition? I find it interesting that two laymenone a businessman, the other an attorneywould suggest this. I thought of the verse about two or three witnesses establishing a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). From that day this subject began to grow in my mind to the extent that I became gripped. It has been my practice never to proceed with a sermon or a book until I am gripped . I have learnedcertainly in my casethat the anointing of the Holy Spirit is invariably connected to this phenomenonbeing gripped.

It happened that the 2012 Olympics in London were in progress when I began the actual writing of this book. I watched all I could of these thrilling sporting events, including many interviews by Piers Morgan on CNN with people like Sebastian Coe, Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps and Gabby Douglas. I was enthralled with those occasions and have no doubt been somewhat influenced by them in the writing of this book.

I used to say to David Jermyn, one of the aforementioned deacons, that one day I would dedicate a book to him. I do not think he believed me. But here it isthis one being dedicated to David and also Paul Gardiner, the other deacon who suggested that I write a book on ambition. Both of these unusual and godly men became deacons during the time of my ministry at Westminster Chapel. They both have also been a blessing to Louise and me personally, and I take pleasure in dedicating this book to David and Paul.

My thanks to Jane Campbell, editorial director of Chosen Books, and also to my editor. My friend Lyndon Bowring reads all my manuscripts before they become books, and yet heand also his wife, Celiahave given me more helpful suggestions this time than for almost any other book I have written. Most of all I thank Louisemy wife of 54 years, my best friend and critic.

R. T. Kendall
Hendersonville, Tennessee
December 2012