In spring of 1867, a young American shoe salesman came to Bristol, England.  One day he was invited to a prayer meeting in a private home.  During the meeting, the minister, Henry Varley stood up and spoke. He said a very memorable thing:

“The world has yet to see what God can do

with one person totally committed to Him.”

The young American walked out of that prayer meeting an hour later – with these words etched in his mind. The words gave him no peace and he resolved to be such a person.

No one remembers Henry Varley, but that young American was D.L.Moody, who went on to become the “Billy Graham” of the 19th Century. Tens of thousands came to Christ through his ministry during his lifetime.

You see, God wants men and women who have a one track mind set on obeying God.  He has given us – His Church – one mission: “to make disciples of all nations” and one way to do it: “love the Lord our God totally – and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”  The Early Christians ate-slept-breathed-drank this mission and because of their faithfulness, we are still here serving Jesus 2000 years later.

Here are three verses that have impacted my life in this area . . .

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)   But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)   And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB)   “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

My ten best tips for personal success, a healthy family, and impact for Christ and His Kingdom this year:

1.  Put God first

• Matthew 6:33
• be “all in” for Jesus

2.  Put others ahead of yourself

• Matthew 22:39
• “j-o-y” Jesus then Others then You !
• cut people some slack
• you haven’t walked in their shoes
• and they don’t have your gifts – so don’t compare them according to your strengths

3.  Pray always

• I Thessalonians 5:17
• learn intimacy with God
• Paul says “pray without ceasing”

4.  Husbands love your wives

• Ephesians 5:33
• unconditionally . . .
• (wives: be lovable)

5.  Wives respect your husbands

• Ephesians 5:33
• unconditionally . . .
• (husbands: be respectable)

6.  Children obey your parents

• Ephesians 6:1-3
• this will teach you to obey God when you’re out on your own

7.  Speak words of life

• Proverbs 18:21

Ephesians 4:29   Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

8.  Always walk in forgiveness

• Matthew 18
• Learn how to say you’re sorry
• to God too – it’s called repentance

9.  Always live with eternity in mind

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
• keep your eyes on Jesus
• behave as if Jesus were standing right next to you
• because He is . . .

10.  Don’t take yourself so seriously

• Proverbs 17:22
• lighten up a bit
• be anxious for nothing . . .

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man or woman who is totally committed to Him.”

Am I prepared to be such a person for Christ?

Love you guys . . . have a blessed 2013!

Steve 🙂