BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL- THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017: Where is Your Hope?

BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Where is Your Hope?

TODAY: Thursday June 1, 2017

KEY VERSE: This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself . . .- Hebrews 6:19 (TLB)

MESSAGE

What are you placing your hope in for the future? Your country’s government, educational system, some plan or organization? My hope is in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God. I have hope and know that I’m going to heaven. And, right here and now in this present life, I have God’s presence to help me.

Suppose we had no Bible. Suppose there were no cross, no salvation, no empty tomb. Suppose we had nothing to hang on except, “Do your best, try to patch it up, do what you can.” Oh, but we have a hope. There is a plan of redemption, a plan for the future. The New Testament is an exciting Book to read, it is so full of hope and expectancy. And God is interested in you!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Reading Your Word, my heavenly Father, makes me realize that the world and all its heartaches are so transitory. Inspire me to reach others with Your message of hope.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Need For Inner Change

BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Need For Inner Change

TODAY: Wednesday May 31, 2017

KEY VERSE: Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.- 2 Corinthians 5:17

MESSAGE
The world says that all we need to do is be decent, respectable, and reasonable. True, that is all one needs to do to be a member of the Great Society, but to be a member of the Kingdom of God, there must be an inner change. A Communist in Hyde Park, London, pointed to a tramp and said, “Communism will put a new suit on that man.” A Christian standing nearby said, “Yes, but Christ will put a new man in that suit!”

Prayer for the day
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the change that came deep within me when I received You.

SALVATION IS FREE - Billy Graham

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Salvation Is Free

TODAY: Tuesday May 30, 2017

KEY VERSE: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:24

MESSAGE
Salvation is free! God puts no price tag on the Gift of gifts—it’s free! Preachers are not salesmen, for they have nothing to sell. They are bearers of Good News—the good tidings that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Money can’t buy it. Man’s righteousness can’t earn it. Social prestige can’t help you acquire it. Morality can’t purchase it. It is, as Isaiah said, “without money and without price.”

God is not a bargaining God. You cannot barter with Him. You must do business with Him on His own terms. He holds in His omnipotent hand the priceless, precious, eternal gift of salvation, and He bids you to take it without money and without price. The best things in life are free, are they not? The air we breathe is not sold by the cubic foot. The water which flows crystal clear from the mountain stream is free for the taking. Love is free, faith is free, hope is free.

Prayer for the day
Even though my salvation was obtained only through the costliest sacrifice ever made, You freely gave it to me. Lord, I praise You for this gift so lovingly given.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Keep Moving Forward

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Keep Moving Forward

TODAY: Monday May 29, 2017

KEY VERSE: For in him we live and move and are! - Acts 17:28 (TLB)

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Invest Your Talents

MESSAGE
When I was seven years old, my father bought me my first bicycle. I had never ridden one. Patiently, my family and friends tried to teach me the art of cycling. I soon found out there was one thing I must do if I was to stay on the bicycle—keep moving forward. If I ceased to go forward, I would fall and hurt myself. So it is in the Christian life. We can never live this life on the highest plane unless we are continually growing and moving forward. You should be closer to God today in heart, soul, and body, than at any other time so far in your life.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Jesus Is Matchless

Prayer for the day
Lord, I have progressed far too slowly in my pilgrim walk with You. Might I be drawn closer to the light of Your love and grace.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Invest Your Talents

BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Invest Your Talents

TODAY: Sunday May 28, 2017

BIBLE TEXT: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above . . . - James 1:17

MESSAGE
God, in His mercy and goodness, has endowed every man with certain gifts, talents, and capabilities. These are not to be used selfishly for our own profit, but for the glory of God and for the building of His kingdom. Our personalities, our intelligence, and our capabilities are gifts from His own bountiful hand. If we divert their use for our own profit, we become guilty of selfishness.

It is good business for an employee or junior partner in the firm to work for the profit and interest and glory of the owner. When the owner profits, all members of the firm profit. So, as stewards of our talents, we should invest them for the glory, praise, and honor of God. If God is glorified, we as His partners will be blessed. Our voices, our service, and our abilities are to be employed, primarily, for the glory of God.

Prayer for the day
Everything I have, You have given me, Father. Now give me wisdom to use these gifts completely in Your will.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Jesus Is Matchless

Billy Graham Daily Devotional
Topic: Jesus Is Matchless
Today Friday 26, May 2017

Key Verse: You have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God . . .  — 1 Corinthians 1:30 (TLB)

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: His Indwelling Presence

MESSAGE
More and more I am becoming aware of the truth that people change people as much as ideas change people. The power of personality is strong. One could find many illustrations to prove that often personality is greater than the idea. Such is the case with Christianity.

The secret of the power of Christianity is not in its ethics. It is not in Christian ideas or philosophy, although Christianity has a philosophical set of ideas. The secret of Christianity is found in a Person, and that Person is the Lord Jesus Christ. Men have discovered other philosophical and ethical systems, but they have not found another Jesus Christ. No one in history can match Him.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: Count Your Blessings

Prayer for the day
When I tell others of Your love, help me to hide my personality in Yours, Lord Jesus.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: His Indwelling Presence

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: His Indwelling Presence

TODAY: Thursday May 25, 2017

KEY VERSE: . . to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:19

BILLY GRAHAM: Count Your Blessings

MESSAGE
To appreciate art, one must either be born with an artistic sense or develop it by training. Only a relatively few people have an innate sense of color, form, and harmony. To such, a love for art comes naturally. Without an artistic appreciation in one’s soul, visiting an art gallery can be a boring affair. Likewise, to appreciate good music one must have music “in him” or develop it. Without a sense of music appreciation, it is possible to sleep through a symphony concert or a performance of the Metropolitan Opera. So it is with the things of God.

BILLY GRAHAM: Jesus Is Transcendent 

Talk about God can become dreary and lackluster if God isn’t in you. Church can become a drab thing and the Bible an irksome Book if the Holy Spirit does not illuminate your soul with His indwelling presence. The wonderful thing about it all is that God has planned life so that if our hearts are dead to spiritual things, something can be done about it.

Prayer for the day
Lord God Almighty, may I daily reach out to You and be filled with the love of Christ.

BILLY GRAHAM: Count Your Blessings

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Count Your Blessings

TODAY: Wednesday May 24, 2017

KEY VERSE: when troubles come . . . sing his praises with much joy.Psalm 27:5,6 (TLB)

MESSAGE
Christians are not altogether immune from depression. The fact is: the trend of events and the mounting tide of evil are enough to give one sobering thoughts—Christian or not. David, the sweet singer of Israel, was not always on top of his depression. Sometimes his glad song was turned to a depressive mourning. “My tears have been my meat day and night, while continually they say unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me?” I find that the cure for depression is praise. In other words: be so busy counting your blessings, that thoughts of gloom and despair will be crowded out.

Prayer for the day

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the Psalms which help me see that even in the depths David talked with You. Whatever my circumstances, I will learn to praise You.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: An Answer to Problems

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: An Answer to Problems

TODAY: Tuesday May 23, 2017

KEY VERSE:. . . Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor . . . — Matthew 22:37–39

MESSAGE
Here is the answer to the world’s problems today—”Thou shalt love the Lord thy God” and “Thou shalt love thy fellowman.” That teaching is not out of date; it is absolutely relevant today. It is the only way in which the problems of the world today can be solved, whether the problems are those of individuals or of nations. If we love God with all our heart, we will have capacity to love our neighbors. True love will find an outlet in service—not merely in singing hymns, attending church, or even in praying—but in trying our utmost to prove our love, by obeying the will of our heavenly Father.


Prayer for the day: True love demands everything I have. Take all the hidden things in my life that keep me from loving You and my neighbor as I should. Let me obey Your will unequivocally, dear Lord.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: God Made Us Unique

 BILLY GRAHAM Daily Devotional

TOPIC: God Made Us Unique

TODAY: Monday May 22, 2017

KEY VERSE: Our soul waiteth for the Lord . . . — Psalm 33:20

MESSAGE
I am a soul—and I have a body! The body is the house in which the soul lives. When Oliver Wendell Holmes was in his 80th year, a friend hailed him and asked, “How are you?” “I’m fine,” said Holmes, “the house I live in is tottering and crumbling, but Oliver Wendell Holmes is fine, thank you.” In this materialistic age we often forget that the real, the abiding part of us is invisible. Much time, money, and effort are expended to perpetuate the physical part of us, and too many are unconcerned about their spiritual health and nurture. Hence doctors’ offices are overcrowded, and many ministers’ counseling rooms are empty.

When God created man, He made him distinctive, different from the other animals. “He breathed into him the breath of life and man became a living soul.” He clothed him with intelligence, conscience, and a will. He made him like Himself—a companion, a friend of God. At the resurrection, this mortal shall put on immortality, and we shall be like Him, and be with Him forever.

Prayer for the day: What expectation is mine as I think of being with You forever, my beloved Lord Jesus!

Jesus Is Transcendent - BILLY GRAHAM

You are reading Today's Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

Topic: Jesus Is Transcendent 

Today: Sunday May 21, 2017

READ MORE: The Cleansing Power of Christ - BILLY GRAHAM

Key Verse: Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned him, he is very precious to God who has chosen him above all others. — 1 Peter 2:4 (TLB)

MESSAGE

No personality in history stands above Jesus Christ. Agnostics and atheists have found fault with Christian ideas, but they can never find fault with the Person of Jesus Christ. They have found fault with Christians, but not with Christ. Jesus of Nazareth transcends methods, ideas, and followers. He stands at the turning point of time. Men everywhere must bow to His superiority. Since Christianity is Christ, those who wish to be a Christian must accept and follow Him as a Person. He and He alone is able to meet every need of the human race.

READ MORE: Endless Forgiveness - Billy Graham

Prayer for the day: Only You, Lord Jesus, meet all the needs in the hearts of men. You have met me in all the loneliest and all the happiest moments of my life.

Mindful of the Leading of God - BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL

Welcome to Daily Devotional written by BILLY GRAHAM

TOPIC: Mindful of the Leading of God

TODAY: Tuesday May 16, 2017

KEY VERSE: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. - Galatians 3:24

BILLY GRAHAM: The Return of the Lord

MESSAGE
When God gave the law, He knew that man was incapable of keeping it. Many persons are confused as to why God gave the law, if He knew man could not possibly keep it. The Bible teaches that the law was given as a mirror; I look into the law and see my spiritual condition. I see how far short I come, and this drives me to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. The Bible teaches that this is why Christ came-to redeem them that were under the law. Man could not keep the law; he was condemned by the law.

Endless Forgiveness - Billy Graham

Prayer for the day
How I need Your guidelines, Lord. Teach me to be always mindful of Your leading.

The Need For Wisdom - BILLY GRAHAM

You are reading Today's Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

Topic: The Need For Wisdom

Today: Thursday 11, May 2017
Key Verse: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  —Matthew 24:35

MESSAGE
Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going?


The answer is “no.” We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.

Prayer for the day: How often I take for granted the privilege of being able to read my Bible. Forgive me, Lord.

The Influence of a Mother - BILLY GRAHAM

Welcome to Daily Devotional written by BILLY GRAHAM

TOPIC: The Influence of a Mother

TODAY: Monday 8 May, 2017

KEY VERSE: Her children arise up, and call her blessed... - Proverbs 31:28

MESSAGE
Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children. Someone has said, “Like mother, like children.” Most of the noble characters and fine leaders of history have had good, God-fearing mothers. We are told that George Washington’s mother was pious, and that Sir Walter Scott’s mother was a lover of poetry and music.

On the other hand, we are told that Nero’s mother was a murderess and that the dissolute Lord Byron’s mother was a proud and violent woman. The influence of a mother upon the lives of her children cannot be measured. They know and absorb her example and attitudes when it comes to questions of honesty, temperance, kindness, and industry.

Prayer for the day
Thank You, Lord, for mothers who love You. Their influence is felt around the world.

Seek God For Yourself - Billy Graham

You are reading Today's Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

Topic: Seek God For Yourself

Today: Saturday, May 6 2017

Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves . . . —Psalm 100:3

Whenever anyone asks me how I can be so certain about who and what God really is, I am reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. It was a fine day to go kite-flying, the wind was brisk, and large billowy clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. “What are you doing?” a man asked the little boy.

“I’m flying a kite,” he replied. “Flying a kite, are you?” the man said, “How can you be sure? You can’t see your kite.” “No,” said the little boy, “I can’t see it, but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it’s there!” Don’t take anyone else’s word for God. Find Him for yourself, and then you too will know by the wonderful, warm tug on your heartstring, that He is there, for sure.

Prayer for the day: Oh heavenly Father, as I reach out to You I feel the “tug” of Your Holy Spirit, which tells me of Your presence!

Everlasting Peace - Billy Graham Devotional

Welcome to Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

TOPIC:  Everlasting Peace 

TODAY: Thursday May 4, 2017

KEY VERSE: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace . . . — Ephesians 2:13,14

MESSAGE

Meaningless mouthings about peace will not bring it to the world. In Glasgow, Scotland, we watched the Communists march around St. George’s Square carrying their banners with the words, “Our motto is PEACE!” My thoughts raced back to Korea, where I had seen the havoc and suffering caused by these people who now use “peace” as their motto.

Peace is more than five little white letters painted on a piece of red cloth, carried by a goose-stepping zealot in a Red parade. It is not a mere cessation of hostilities, a momentary halt in a hot or cold war. Rather, it is something positive. It is a specific relationship with God into which a person is brought. It is a spiritual reality in a human heart which has come into vital contact with the infinite God.

Prayer for the day: Your everlasting peace transcends the promises of mankind, Lord Jesus.

God, the Peacekeeper - Billy Graham

Welcome to Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

TOPIC: God, the Peacekeeper 

TODAY: Monday May 1, 2017

KEY VERSE: He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! - Isaiah 26:3 (TLB)

MESSAGE
You have an ego-a consciousness of being an individual. Of course, you do. But that doesn’t mean that you are to worship yourself, to think constantly of yourself, and to live entirely for yourself. Common sense tells you that your life would be miserable if you followed that course. God is infinitely more concerned about your happiness than you could possibly be. He says, “Deny yourself, and follow me.” There is many a person in the insane asylum today who thought excessively about himself, to the exclusion of God and others. Hypochondriacs who have a fanciful anxiety about their health will never be well, regardless of their physical condition.

Prayer for the day: Keep my mind on You, Lord, and help me to discipline the thoughts of self which crowd out Your peace.

BILLY GRAHAM DEVOTIONAL: God, Our Helper

Welcome to Daily Devotional written by BILLY GRAHAM

TOPIC: God, Our Helper 

TODAY: Thursday April 27, 2017

KEY VERSE: I am like a sheltered olive tree protected by the Lord himself. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. — Psalm 52:8 (TLB)

MESSAGE
Turn to your Bible and read the wonderful stories of men who were alone in godless surroundings but who, by the help and presence of the living God, made a marvelous contribution to their own times. Joseph was surrounded by sin and intrigue in Egypt. His master’s wife tried to seduce him. He was tested by imprisonment, but through it all he trusted in God and sought to know and do His will; and he stands today as a wonderful example of the keeping and strengthening power of God in the heart of a man who believed in Him.

Prayer for the day: In the dark days, I will put out my hand and You, loving Lord, will be there.

Love in Action - Billy Graham

Welcome to Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Love In Action

TODAY: Friday 21 April, 2017

KEY VERSE: Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ . . . - Ephesians 5:2 (TLB)

MESSAGE
There is no doubt that we need social reform. If success is ever to be realized, our generations must work together and listen to each other, which is one of the first requirements of cooperation. At this point, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant as the great reconciler. The Apostle John, in his first epistle, declared,

“To you, young men, I have written,” and, “To you, fathers, I have written.” This is to the young activists and to the old guard,

“It is by this that we know what love is: that Christ laid down His life for us. And we in our turn are bound to lay down our lives for our brothers. But if a man has enough to live on, and yet when he sees his brother in need shuts up his heart against him, how can it be said that the divine love dwells in him? My children, love must not be a matter of words or talk; it must be genuine, and show itself in action. This is how we may know that we belong to the realm of truth” (1 John 3:16-19, NEB).

Prayer for the day
Father, when someone disagrees with my opinions, may my love not be determined by rhetoric, but by the all–encompassing love of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Basic Need - Billy Graham

Welcome to Billy Graham's Daily Devotional

TOPIC: Our Basic Need

TODAY: Thursday 20 April, 2017

KEY VERSE: . . . he hath set his love upon me . . .  - Psalm 91:14

MESSAGE
A basic need of mankind is affection. Those who “abide in Him” are objects of God’s affection and love. You cannot say that you are friendless when Christ has said, “Henceforth I call you not servants . . . but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). To you who lament the fact that you have been bereft of affection and love in this life, I happily commend Christ. He loved you enough to lay down His life for you. Not only that, but by His atonement upon the cross, He purchased the favor of God in your behalf, and now through Him you may be the recipient of the grace and love of God without measure.

Prayer for the day
Thank You for Your love, Father, that no matter where I am—in whatever situation—You are there, loving me.