Dwight Lyman Moody (1837–1899)

I wish I had enjoyed this devotional more, but I think there was too much of a cultural gap between me and the varied authors. The book was originally collated by DL Moody, so I guess most of the thoughts are from the 1800's. They are all intentionally very brief, and while some were encouraging, many were just flat.

I have been interested in reading one of Moody's works for awhile now because my Grandfather was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. I know a little about Moody through biographic blurbs I've come across over the years, so I came to this book prepared to like it and I did. I was surprised to find the writing so approachable and easy to follow. So often historic theologians write on a difficult and serious level but this book seemed much more conversational in tone. The topics are presented show more in a straightforward manner and the chapters are broken down with sub-headings that help you keep the topic organized in your head so you can follow the subject of the chapters as well as the overall theme of the book. While that book would work well with youth/young Christians, there is enough depth that older Christians will find it of use also. I found it to be extremely encouraging. show less

In this book Moody writes of many experiences with prayer. But one theme he talks about throughout if we are not willing to follow God our prayers will most likely never be answered. He says it many way, “We seem to go toward God, but, indeed reflect upon ourselves” , “If we have no desire to do that will, how can we call God “Our Father”.” In another portion he says, “If we should pray for the coming of God’s kingdom while we are rebelling against Him, we are only seeking show more for our own condemnation.”



This book is short but chocked full of stories of prayer by common people that were answered. show less

DL Moody (1837-99) was an outstanding Christian evangelist and author of the 19th century. He developed a reputation as a powerful speaker and attracted large crowds numbering in the thousands but his ministry continues not only through organisations he founded but also through the body of writing he left behind. The Overcoming Life, a collection of sermons, was first published in 1896 and has been reissued by Aneko Press.

Some of the mannerisms of the writing hint that it is an older work show more but Moody's message still comes across sharp and fresh. His prescriptions - such as overcoming unbecoming tempers by asking those you hurt by them for forgiveness - are just as potent as when they were first delivered. This would also be good medicine if you wanted to gently remind someone that the way to walk with God is not to go chasing after the latest awesomeness on the Christian scene but, well, to walk with God even when it means cutting away bad habits that seem to come to us so naturally.

If there is a flaw in this particular presentation of the work, it is that it doesn't add much to the sermons. You do get a decently formatted rendering if you read the work online at the Aneko Press site or purchase their ebook version but I think they could have put a little work into introducing the new reader to Moody and to the genesis and subsequent influence of this particular book. show less