Billy Graham - Wisdom for Each Day

PRESENTED TO:

FROM:

ON THE OCCASION OF:

Wisdom
FOR EACH DAY

by
Billy Graham

Wisdom for Each Day
Copyright 2008 by the Billy Graham Literary Trust

These meditations include edited excerpts from previously published columns, books, and sermons by Billy Graham, and are used with the authors permission. Other meditations have been prepared specifically for this volume.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New International Version 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Other Scripture references are taken from New King James Version (NKJV) 1979, 1980, 1982, 1992, Thomas Nelson, Inc.; New American Standard Bible (NASB) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1977 by the Lockman Foundation, and are used by permission; The Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Ill. All rights reserved; and the King James Version (KJV).

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ISBN-10: 1-4041-8693-X

ISBN-13: 978-1-4041-8693-4

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Contents

Christianity is more than a system of beliefs or a series of moral guidelines. Christianity is a relationshipa personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. When we commit our lives to Him, the barriers are torn down... the gap between us is bridged...and we become members of Gods family forever. We no longer face life alone, for Christs promise is true: I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

But like any other personal relationship, our relationship with God must be nurtured and strengthened. If it isnt, our faith will grow weak and we will become increasingly vulnerable to Satans deceptions and temptations. Nor will we experience the joy and peace that Christ promised us, even in the midst of lifes worst storms.

How do we grow in our relationship with Christ? The most important step we can take is to set aside time each day to be alone with Godreading His Word, meditating on its truth, and coming to Him in prayer. Even a few minutes alone with God will help you keep your priorities straight, and focus your heart and mind on Gods love and Gods will for your life.

This book isnt a substitute for reading the Bible more extensivelybut my prayer is that God will use it to strengthen you and give you the wisdom you need to live for Christ every day.

BILLY GRAHAM

New Year, New Ways

Give careful thought to your ways.

HAGGAI 1:5

Making New Years resolutions and not keeping them is a universal experience. We may be sincere when we make them, but then we find them too hard to keep, or perhaps we forget all about them.

Let me give you two reasons why it can be good to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. First, it forces us to look at ourselvesto be honest about our failures and our need to change. Many New Years resolutions are unrealistic or only wishful thinking, but the exercise of examining ourselves with Gods helpand seeing where we fall short is important.

Second, making a list of resolutions can turn us to God. If we are honest, we know we fall far short of being what we ought to beand because of that, we need Gods forgiveness. Well also realize that we cant live the way we should in our own strength. We need Gods help.

Begin this year by making resolutionsespecially the resolution to open your heart and life to Jesus Christ more than you ever have before.

Hope for the Future

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NKJV

As we start a new year, the Bible tells us there can be hope for the future.

First, there is hope of a changed person. No matter how hard we try, we are incapable of ridding ourselves of the selfishness and greed that cause conflict and strife and war. Our only hope is a changed heartand Jesus is in the business of changing hearts.

Second, there is hope of a changed world. When we know Christ, He gives us by His Spirit a new love and concern for others. We can no longer be indifferent to their sufferings, and well want to do something about them. Changed by Christ, we can begin to change our world.

Third, there is hope of an unchanging eternity in Heaven. This world is not all there is. Someday all its pain and heartache will come to an end for those who know Christ (Rev. 21:4). Evil and death will be abolished, and we will be safely in Gods presence forever.

As you read the headlines or look at your own life, you may be wondering if there is any hope. The answer from the Bible is a resounding yes.

Your Purpose in Life

Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path.

PSALM 27:11

God has a plan or purpose for every person, although many people go through life without ever thinking about it. But their lack of awareness doesnt change the fact that God put each of us here for a purpose.

We arent here by accident. We are here because God put us here. And He put us here for a reason: so we could come to know Him in a personal way and then live in a way that brings glory to His name.

This is the greatest discovery you will ever make: You were created to know God and to be His friend forever. When I was young, my mother taught me from our churchs catechism that the chief end [or purpose] of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

But God not only has a general purpose for each of us; He also has a specific plan for each of our lives. Dont wander through life without any purpose or direction, but pray and seek Gods will, and learn to follow Him.

Revival Begins with You

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

MATTHEW 4:17

If Christianity is important at all, then it is all-important. If it is anything at all, then it is everything. It is either the most vital thing in your life, or it isnt worth bothering with.

So dont give the lie to the Christian faith by professing Christ without possessing Him. Dont lock the church door with the key of inconsistency and keep the lost from coming to Christ. Dont hinder revival by your unbelief and prayerlessness. Dont cheat yourself out of spiritual victory by allowing sin to imprison you. Seek Gods face and turn from your wicked ways. Then you will hear from heaven and true revival will beginstarting with you.