2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Just last week, Evangelist William (Billy) F. Graham Jr. entered heaven’s gates and is now safely home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Information gathered indicates Mr. Graham was a true inspiration to millions of people as he had a profound impact on their lives through his faithful and diligent preaching of God’s Word. His divine ministry calling allowed him to reach people in over 185 countries through a host of networks – Global Mission, live audiences, various meetings, television, video, film, and webcasts. Mr. Graham’s rise to prominence awarded him opportunities to provide counsel to U.S. Presidents on secular and religious arenas.

Mr. Graham was also the Founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) which began in 1950. BGEA is a ministry tool for sharing the Gospel. Through this association, Mr. Graham was able to institute: a weekly radio program, the “Hour of Decision” which was heard globally, and tv broadcast programs seen on national Christian networks among others.

Billy Graham’s other crowning achievements include his books – “Just As I Am”, “Storm Warning”, “Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well”, “The Reason For My Hope: Salvation”, “Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, Our Life Beyond” as well as other published work. Evangelist Graham has appeared on the covers of Times, Newsweek, Life Magazine and others.

Personally, I’ve never met Mr. Graham, but listening to the testimonies of family members, friends, and the many lives he has touched, Billy Graham Jr. was a God-fearing man and the life he lived testifies to the godly legacy he left behind. From what I read, he was faithful, sincere, humble, compassionate, and a man of integrity. He allowed the Lord to use his life to bring glory to His name. He represented God well. What I admire most about Billy Graham is that he didn’t veer off course, he didn’t compromise his Christian beliefs nor his integrity, and he didn’t allow his fame or prestige to tarnish his godly character. He remained true and faithful to his Savior, Jesus Christ, God’s calling on his life, and he honored his marriage to his lovely bride, Ruth Bell Graham. Evangelist Graham started his race well, consistently ran well, and finished his race strong. He’s a prime example to believers everywhere of what it means to live according to God’s standards while leaving a godly legacy behind.

What type of legacy are you leaving behind?

Ladies, I highly encourage you to keep Jesus first and foremost in every area of your life. Cling tightly to Him, permanently abandon your will and desires, lovingly embrace His plan and purpose for your life, remain faithful to Him, represent Jesus well in everything you say and do, share the Good News of salvation with the lost, don’t compromise, allow Him to use your life to further His kingdom, be His hands and feet, stay on the path He has ordained for you, always rely on the power and enabling of His Spirit, persevere, run your race well to the very end, and aim high to finish strong.

Live a life of honor and leave behind a godly legacy. Mr. Graham has already set the standard for us to follow. Let’s all take a bold and unwavering stand for Christ and leave behind godly legacies, and may our lives always be remembered as a life well lived to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Personal Tribute:

Billy Graham, faithful man of God, preacher of His Word, well-respected, honorable, and trustworthy made a life changing decision at the age of 15 to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Mr. Graham boldly and fearlessly preached the Gospel, he held fast to the truth of God’s Word, he didn’t give up nor give in; instead, he graciously persevered and embraced his God-ordained calling, he kept his eyes on Jesus (the Author and Finisher of his faith), he prayed without ceasing, he relied on the Spirit of God, and he was used as God’s mighty vessel to share the Good News of salvation with lost souls. Billy Graham ran his race well, fought the good fight, and finished strong. He was a faithful ambassador of Christ and Billy Graham will always have a place in our hearts. If the Lord should tarry, may your legacy live on for generations to come.

To GOD BE THE GLORY!!! Well Done And Well Done!!!

What a joy it is to know that someday soon the burdens of this life will be over and I will awaken in His presence!

-Billy Graham

Hope for Each Day Devotional