I YEARN FOR MORE OF GOD IN MY LIFE... In his search for a deeper commitment, Cecil Murphey writes of his ongoing hunger for more of God in his life. He practiced all the standard methods of spiritual growth-Bible reading, prayer, and active involvement with other Christians, yet the hunger persisted. As he continued studying the Bible he realized that God's people though flawed, often demonstrated overriding commitment in certain areas. Each character exemplified a specific spiritual quality, a feature that stood as a spiritual strength. In his search for spiritual growth, Murphey found an intriguing method that works for him. Each day in prayer, he focuses on a specific quality in one of God's committed people, a quality he finds lacking. Then he prays for God to help him cultivate that attribute in his own life. Barnabas is viewed as a sponsor of champions. In Murphey's prayer he states, "I am Barnabas, the sponsor of champions." He calls this a shorthand form of prayer.                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.