March 7, 2019
Dear friends,
Yesterday, Karen and I watched an excellent film about the late Billy Graham, who spoke to more people than anyone in history. It was tremendous to see people from all over the world responding positively to the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Seeing Billy Graham in his final crusade and his final interview impressed upon me how well he finished his life. After his life partner, Ruth, died, Dr. Graham’s anticipation of heaven intensified. Speaking about his own mortality, Dr. Graham said: “Some day you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”
I found a book in our radio follow-up office this week that is entitled “Portraits of Christ in Genesis” by the late Dr. M. R. De Haan. In the foreword, his son, Richard, writes: “Last words are precious words! Last words are held in fondest esteem! How we cherish the memories of departed loved ones, and all that they have said and done – and yet, how much more impressive, how much more meaningful and significant are their final words. For that reason, this particular book is most deeply treasured. It contains my father’s last written words.” I am looking forward to learning from this servant of the Lord.
Next weekend is Missions conference time at Grace Church Verdun. While I look forward to hearing reports from missionaries, I also look back and thank the Lord for all the people He brought into my life to help me hear God’s call to serve Him in Europe and Québec. It was in December 1976 that I responded to the invitation that Dr. Graham gave during a Missions convention in Urbana, Illinois for students to stand if they desired to serve the Lord in full-time ministry. That was the beginning of a wonderful adventure of following His leading, including starting this blog.
Do you want to grow in your walk with the Lord? If so, I would urge you to follow a Bible study course online or through the mail. Many excellent studies are available from our ministry, as well as from other Christian organizations like “U B David and I’ll B Jonathan” (www.ubdavid.org).
Scripture for the weekend: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “Faith is not believing that God can, it is knowing that He will.”
By His grace,
Steve