Table in the Wilderness

by Watchman Nee

Collected from the works of Chinese evangelist Watchman Nee, these daily devotions focus on the nature and glory of God as the starting point for our spiritual questioning.

Genres: Christian, Devotional

200 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Dan Sr]

Profound daily devotional! A dear Christian brother of mine spent a year secluded in a foreign country and culture, and gave this to me saying, “this is the book that had kept me going each day with our Lord.” Having read in now myself for a year, I see what it meant.

Watchman Nee has a way of presenting tremendous truth in ways that are succinct, but exciting. The effect is truly “A table [or banquet]in the wilderness”. I used the short readings as appetizer before my daily scripture reading. 90% of them were very encouraging: lifting my eyes to the Lord, inspiring my mind to dig into the Word, and humbling my flesh so that my spirit could be willing to receive even challenging truths, and warming my heart for prayer.

I would recommend this to those who know our Lord.

[Paula]

This is a good compilation of Watchman Nee's writings from his career as a preacher and evangelist. The book I own came from my mother's collection and I acquired it with other Watchman Nee titles following her death. Nee doesn't treat Christianity with a light hand. Like others of my favorite Christian authors, he tells it like it is. I appreciate that.

[Karen L.]

I got this daily devotional book from my husband, then boy friend (very long ago!) I love it and still pick it up from time to time. God has really used this book to speak to my heart. Watchman Nee was a beautiful writer.

[LAMONT D]

This book has been a part of my collection for years. Watchman Nee (the great Chinese writer and preacher) has been a go to for me over those years especially from his other writings. This time around on the devotional I was not as moved as I have been reading his stand-alone books. You have to consider though the context, location and era that he writes from to grasp some of the subtilties he introduces. Having said this I believe I know several people that would want this book gifted to them which I will endeavor to do shortly. IN the back is an index to the some of the scriptures referred to throughout the year.

[Damson]

I'm reading this for the second time, using it as my daily devotional. I only removed one star because I can't like any daily reading book as much as C H Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a daily reading book. Nee's writings are first class.

[Robert Combs]

Profound devotional

Watchman was a profound disciple of Jesus Christ and his insight has benefitted us greatly. His life perspectives continue to challenge us to seek Jesus even more fully in depth with full abandon.

[Hugh Laybourn]

Excellent challenges

[Salome]

I have been blessed by these meditations. A very pertinent devotional to guide/spiritually engage us through the day.

[Douglas Powell]

I first read this as a daily devotional in the late 1970s. It was valuable to me then, and it's still valuable now.

[Read1000books]

A year-long devotional, with each day's section a very readable one page or less. Actually taken from the writings of early 20th-century Chinese Bible teacher Watchman Nee, the reader will have his or her faith encouraged regularly as they travel through this book.

[Adam Martin]

My wife and I read from this little book everyday, and we are so impressed by the spiritual insight and depth that this man had. It touches us deeply. This begins our second year through it.

[Royce Ratterman]

An enjoyable and simple read for daily Biblical thoughts and insights.
A good 'devotional' to add to one's collection.

[Jenny's Book Life]

A Classic devotional. I used this book years ago and just read through the whole thing again for nostalgic reasons instead of using it as a daily read.

[Ralph-Peter Hendriks]

Lovely devotional - one day at a time. Very encouraging. Lots of wisdom.

[Sharon Phinney]

Daily readings are precise, but helpful for thought.