Abundant Life

Abundant Life

A visit to the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, featured Cliff Barrows leading the singing and Dr. Mel Blackaby, well known pastor and author, speaking on Abundant Life. Blackaby, over the course of four marvelous messages, connected abundant living with going the second mile in the power of the spirit and rejoicing in any and all circumstances! This is a marvelous way to live and can only be done through Christ.

Abundant life comes through Jesus who said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) He gives us bread! And he says "Whoever drinks of the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up 

into eternal life." (John 4:14) He gives us water! Overflowing water!

If we’re not satisfied, have we really met Him? He promised abundant life while on earth! We may have religion but not relationship.  Is there joy? Peace? Love with intimacy in your life?  If all else was taken away would you be satisfied? What does is mean to follow Jesus? These are not easy questions to answer but the promises are thrilling.

Billy Graham and his ministry exemplify abundant living. They have denied themselves and surrendered all to Christ—and God has used them in a mighty way. Billy Graham’s oldest daughter, Gigi, his youngest son, Ned and a grandson Will each spoke briefly during the conference. All are following the family path of faith.

A surprise visit from Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea, joining the others on the platform electrified the attendees. This reunion of the three major players in the Billy Graham Crusades, who worked together for forty years, awed and humbled us all. (See picture above of Cliff, Ned, Gigi, Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea.)

George Beverly Shea, 102 years old sang Blessed Assurance - even asking the piano player to change the key. They reminisced about the Crusades. Billy liked the Australia Crusade best. Cliff recalled a meal in India of French fried hornets!!  The three of them sang This Little Light of Mine!  Billy’s part was to say “NO!” at the right times.

Cliff said “We’re all turtles on the fence post. Someone helped to put us there.” What humble, inspiring men of God these three are. To God be the glory!

It was a blessed event.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Blessings, Dottie