DL Moody was an American evangelist in the 1800’s whose name you might here occasionally in sermons or Christian circles. He was born to a lower class farmer in Massachusetts and lost his father at the age of 4 years old. Determined to avoid the crushing money troubles that his family experienced as a result, Moody set out to make his fortune before he was 30 years of age and was well on his way to do so when He came to the Lord. While he was working as a shoe salesmen in Boston, his Sunday School teacher felt compelled to track him down at work and explain the Gospel to him and his conversion that day began the Christian life of one of the most accomplished evangelists in history.
A simple man without much of an education, Moody’s down to earth but Spirit filled preaching reached millions and changed the face of American Christianity. From the YMCA to modern Christian book publishing to popular Christian music, Moody had a hand in their development and success. Just an amazing guy!
I loved this book and really enjoyed learning more about Moody, a name that I had been generally familiar with but had put into a mental file of famous preachers. The author brings him to life and does a wonderful job of showing Moody’s faith, joy and reliance upon the Holy Spirit to do impossible things. He presents a picture of a man filled with the love of God, love for people and a willingness to anything he could to advance the Kingdom of God. I learned a lot that I try to apply to my life from Moody’s example.
If you get a chance, read this book. It is one of my new favorites.
A while back I read “A Passion For Souls: The Life of D.L. Moody” – also an excellent book, same picture on the front too. What a life! If you ever read the devotional “My Utmost For His Highest” I highly recommend the Oswald Chambers biography, “Abandoned to God.” Gives some excellent insight into the man who penned all those challenging exhortations.
Thanks Don – Yeah, what a life indeed. Amazing guy!
My Utmost is one of our favorite devotionals even if it left us scratching our heads at times. I will check that book out.
Do you know what Chambers and Moody had in common btw?
You’re right about scratching heads, some pretty deep / complex insights there. Would the common thread be a connection to the YMCA? I think Moody started out living at one if I recall.
Good answer,yes the YMCA. Moody started off working for the YMCA and was eventual President of the Chicago branch and they funded some of his campaigns back when the Y’s purpose was to spread the Gospel. I believe he would stay at the Y’s around the country while doing his meetings. Chambers was working for the YMCA in WWI as a chaplain.
What really struck me about Moody was his willingness to do whatever he could – even gathering and teaching large groups of rowdy inner-city orphans. And also that he knew that he lacked much formal education and was always humble enough to ask questions and listen to other, more experienced ministers.
Oswald was so willing to go anywhere and do anything – to be “broken bread and poured out wine” – I think that’s the biggest challenge he throws down… to let go of any self-will and put no limits on what we are willing to do for Christ. Not for the feint of heart, but then neither was Jesus! 🙂
Yeah, me too on Moody. So submitted to the Lord that the Lord did great things. I also really liked that he greatly loved his family. Seemed to be just filled with love for everyone.
I will have to look up the Chambers biography as it sounds really good.