As our time in Norway draws closer and closer to an end, God has been speaking to me more and more about the importance of the One.  When we set out on this faith journey a month and a half ago, I thought it would look remarkably different than it has.  The majority of our time so far has been encouraging and strengthening individuals in an intimate setting.  We have been so privileged to encourage and build up Kjetil, his roommate Simon, his parents, and another couple that is a part of a small house church here.  Besides this, just sharing with the people we meet at different gatherings and settings seems to be how God is using us.

I have been feeling a little discouraged on and off that we have not had opportunities to speak to any churches or ministries so far.  In discussing this with my wife, she unleashed some powerful revelation and wisdom upon me, that I knew, but needed to be reminded of at that moment.  When we are ministering, encouraging, and strengthening individuals, this is building the church.  Each person is a vital and integral part of the church and every effort we make to strengthen and encourage them is making a difference in the church and the Kingdom of God is being built up.

My wife’s wise words reminded me of some ponderings of the past.  One of the first things I think of is a quote that was said to the famous D.L. Moody by a very little known friend of his.  Henry Varley, during conversation in a park, said to D.L. Moody, “The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully consecrated to Him.”  After dwelling on this word for a short time, Moody’s response was, “I will try my utmost to be that man.”  Moody went on to be one of the most influential preachers in the U.S. and U.K. of his time.  This one man was changed by one comment, and millions of people were saved because of it.

What would happen in our time, if our attitude was the same? What if two or ten or 1,000 people stood up and said that we will be fully consecrated and obedient to the Lord to the best of our abilities?  Looking on all the revivals, movements, and godly happenings of the past, they can all be traced back to one man’s decision to follow the Lord completely.  Any organization, company, or business has one man that they say founded this company.  This man of vision, perseverance, and hard work gathered people around him to make the dream come true.  Loren Cunnigham and YWAM, Reinhard Bonnke and African Crusades, Billy Graham and U.S. Crusades, Bill Johnson and Bethel, Mike Bickle and IHOP, Lou Engle and The Call, Heidi Baker and Iris Ministries, Sean Feucht and The Burn 24-7, Stephen Evans and the Central American Crusades, Jack Hayford and The Church on the Way… these are just some of the well known people of our time who decided to be completely consecrated and  obedient to the Lord.  Each of these people in their own way have made a difference.  This does not even say anything about the people of the past who stood up no matter what the price to them in order that Jesus’ name would be glorified in and through them.

My challenge to you is that you would think about this statement, “The world has yet to see what God will do with YOU, for YOU, through YOU, in YOU, and by YOU if YOU are fully consecrated to Him!”  The world needs what you, completely consecrated and obedient to God, have to offer.  Really think about this and what your decision will be.  If you do not choose to be this kind of man like Moody did, you are choosing to fade into the oblivion of cultural Christians and not become what God has created you to become, one who turns the world upside down (Acts 17:6).  You are created for greatness!!!  Whether you become great or not depends upon your decision whether to be completely consecrated and obedient!!!

Jeremiah, Man on Fire!!!  “With everything that I am and have, I will be that man!!!”