My Utmost For His Highest
by Oswald Chambers
I believe it would be nigh impossible to find a better devotional for anyone looking for a deeper, richer, more fulfilling walk of faith than this little devotional. All it takes is to read the first day to realize this incredible book of devotional insights were the outcome of one who has 'walked the walk.' This book is no mere 'applied theology' but the outcome of many years and hours of deep reflection and experience, not only in the Word of God, but also His ways.
Oswald Chambers (1874-1915) was a Scottish preacher, teacher and chaplain. He expressed a deep spirituality even as a teenager, and responded to Christ at the age of 15. He had talents for art and music, but heard the call to ministry at the age of 24, where he enrolled in Dunoon College. He began a preaching ministry throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, the US and Japan. In 1911, he established the Bible Training College in London, England. "He accommodated not only students of every age, education and class, but also anyone in need, believing he ought to give to everyone who asks. No one was ever turned away, whether they asked for money, an overcoat or a meal." (Wikipedia).
In 1915, he moved his wife and daughter to Egypt to serve as a YMCA chaplain. Their idea was for him to just keep the soldiers out of the brothels. His idea was to forgo what he saw as mere 'entertainments' and instead provided robust teaching and instruction in all aspects of the faith of Christ. At the conclusion of one such meeting, a soldier told him, "I can't stand religious people." Chamber's reply was, "Neither can I." Chambers does not play about with mundane religion or theological approaches. He aims directly at the heart and the real issues that keep you from walking in all that would bring honour and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers died of acute appendicitis, as he would not be treated for what he considered a minor ailment when there were other soldiers who would be in greater and more dire need of surgery and a hospital bed than he. His widow, Biddy Chambers, hand-recorded all his messages, and has brought forth this little devotional of his greatest gems, wisdom and insight for our benefit.
The great blessing of this devotional is that Chambers keeps you anchored to the reality that is God. He did not live in mountain top experiences, but in the blood and guts of army barracks, battlefields and a regimented military life. He expresses a wisdom and knowledgeable insight into the things of God that can come only from one who has "walked the walk." As one so aptly stated it, "He has captured the heart of God." More often than not, you will discover that he has given expression to things that you have somehow 'known' all along, but could never really capture or express yourself.
It is impossible to speak too highly concerning this devotional. You need to get it. It is not expensive, with most copies coming in around $10, and you will often find them at the end of each year. Or you can sign up to receive daily devotionals from the Utmost website delivered straight to your inbox. Personally, I would recommend the book itself, because then you can mark it up with your insights and those passages that really speak to you.