In Murphy's ongoing search for a deeper commitment, he practiced the standard methods of spiritual growth, such as Bible reading, prayer, and active involvement with other Christians. In the Bible, he became aware of spiritual qualities committed-but-flawed people exemplified. Each day he prays for God to help him cultivate those characteristics.

             I am Barnabas, I see abilities in others and I sponsor them.

     Then I walk away so they don't have to share the spotlight with me.

                  I also stand with them when they fail.

      Thank you, God of grace, that you help me to help others.

Committed but Flawed: Seeking New Ways to Grow Spiritually is the latest book out by Cecil Murphey. This book speaks to the problem many Christians feel, that is, even after years of following Christ, they do not feel close to Him. Mr. Murphey says the old answers to the question of how we can get closer to God did not cut it with him. He tried but still felt lacking.

Mr. Murphey has written some wonderful books, including the biography of Dr. Ben Carson. Cecil Murphey served for six years as a missionary to Kenya, East Africa, a pastor in the Atlanta area for 14 years and a professor at a Bible college for 18 years. He has written over 95 books, some under pen names, many ghostwritten.

In his writing you can sense that he is no run-of-the-mill Christian. He follows hard after God and has learned how to grow. He studies Biblical characters, looking at their attributes as well as their faults. He then prays to have that person’s desirable characteristics.

Each of the book’s 25 segments encompasses a different person, and ends with a prayer. Mr. Murphey calls this the “shorthand method” of prayer. Here is one example: “I am John Mark. I have failed and made mistakes. I am also forgiven and I am loved. Remind me that when I confess my failure, You forgive me and make me stronger for the next test.”

The book is easy to read, the method is well presented, and I found it made me re-examine the way I think about persons in the Bible. I now look for the traits that I should admire and try to be Christ-like by following His followers. I would recommend this book to any Christian who is frustrated in his walk with God—who finds himself yearning for more godliness in his life. It could also be adapted for use as a group Bible study book for teen and adult men. – Elece Hollis, Christian Book Previews.com

http://www.christianbook.com/committed-flawed-seeking-midst-our-imperfections/cecil-murphey/9780899573786/pd/73786

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Author: Cecil Murphey
Located in: Tucker, GA
Submitted: July 28, 2004

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I am an adult convert, served as a missionary in Kenya for 6 years and a pastor for 14. For the past 20 years I've been writing full time. I want to keep on growing spiritually; I also want to help and encourage others to grow.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I tried all the traditional means of spiritual growth, such as prayer, reading, fellowship, and they helped. But the method I stumbled on in my search for a closer relationship with God has changed my life and I simply want to share my insights.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope people will see that God constantly shows us ways to grow spiritually.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  I try to read widely. I want to read other writers who wrestle with spiritual growth. I find many of them helpful, but the Bible remains my primary book. Henri Nouwen has probably spoken to me more than any other modern Christian writer.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I call myself a serious Christian and I want to grow ever closer to God.

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