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My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year
An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here
"I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and for Him alone." So says Oswald Chambers in the first of the daily devotions in My Utmost for His Highest. This attitude of complete surrender to God pervades the work, the most popular devotional book ever published. In the words of former U. S. Senate chaplain Richard Halverson, "No other book except the Bible has influenced my walk with Christ at such deep and maturing levels." Now in a deluxe collector's edition, the value of Chambers' words of truth can be treasured for a lifetime.
"I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and for Him alone." So says Oswald Chambers in the first of the daily devotions in My Utmost for His Highest. This attitude of complete surrender to God pervades the work, the most popular devotional book ever published. In the words of former U. S. Senate chaplain Richard Halverson, "No other book except the Bible has influenced my walk with Christ at such deep and maturing levels." Now in a deluxe collector's edition, the value of Chambers' words of truth can be treasured for a lifetime.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 1926
4570 people are currently reading
33198 people want to read
About the author
Oswald Chambers
343 books500 followersOswald Chambers was born to devout parents in Aberdeen, Scotland. At age 16, Oswald Chambers was baptized and became a member of Rye Lane Baptist Chapel. Even as a teenager, Chambers was noted for his deep spirituality, and he participated in the evangelization of poor occupants of local lodging houses. Oswald married Gertrude in May 1910, and on May 24, 1913, Gertrude gave birth to their only child, Kathleen. In 1915, a year after the outbreak of World War I, Chambers was accepted as a YMCA chaplain. He was assigned to Zeitoun, Cairo, Egypt, where he ministered to Australian and New Zealand troops, who later participated in the Battle of Gallipoli. Soon his wooden-framed "hut" was packed with hundreds of soldiers listening attentively to his messages. Confronted by a soldier who said, "I can't stand religious people," Chambers replied, "Neither can I." Chambers was stricken with appendicitis on October 17, 1917 but resisted going to a hospital on the grounds that the beds would be needed by men wounded in the long-expected Third Battle of Gaza. On October 29th, a surgeon performed an emergency appendectomy, but Chambers died November 15, 1917 from a hemorrhage of the lungs. He was buried in Cairo with full military honors. Gertrude, for the remainder of her life published books and articles for him edited from the notes she had taken in shorthand from his sermons. Most successful of the thirty books was, "My Utmost for His Highest", which has never been out of print and has been translated into 39 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,160 reviews
May 17, 2017
I read it when I can in the evening. This is not a typical mushy coffee table devotional, not at all. In fact I usually have to read the short entries three times to grasp its meaning. There is so much to chew on with practically every word written. And it is not the easy stuff either- no fluffy emotions. This is testing of faith! No more fluffy good feelings but true inspiration for a radical life of faith.
August 5, 2011
The copy of My Utmost for His Highest that I have was originally given to my son as a graduation present by the youth pastor of our Church. He left home, went to college, got married and now has a son of his own. Oswald Chamber's classic sat on our shelf for many years, unread, unappreciated and gathering dust beside an equally neglected copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare. It was only a few months ago when I was going down to visit him and his lovely wife and the uber grandson that I ran across MUHH again and decided to see if he wanted it back. As a result I started reading it and was glad when my son said he did not want it back.
I am not sure I would give this book to teen agers. It is an acquired taste and requires a bit of effort to appreciate, but the diligent reader is more than compensated for the effort. As a result of reading MUFHH, I was introduced to the life and times of Oswald Chambers and his amazing ministry and his amazing and selfless stenographer wife, Biddy. Biddy is the one who is responsible for the compilation and publication of MUFHH and all of Chambers over fifty published works.
I will never be finished reading MUFHH because I am always dipping into it and every time I do, I always find a fresh insight about what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. In case someone may not know, MUFHH is a daily devotional that Biddy culled from her voluminous shorthand notes. All of Chamber's works (and his life) can be summed up in this phrase, "Jesus always, Jesus only."
I am not sure I would give this book to teen agers. It is an acquired taste and requires a bit of effort to appreciate, but the diligent reader is more than compensated for the effort. As a result of reading MUFHH, I was introduced to the life and times of Oswald Chambers and his amazing ministry and his amazing and selfless stenographer wife, Biddy. Biddy is the one who is responsible for the compilation and publication of MUFHH and all of Chambers over fifty published works.
I will never be finished reading MUFHH because I am always dipping into it and every time I do, I always find a fresh insight about what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. In case someone may not know, MUFHH is a daily devotional that Biddy culled from her voluminous shorthand notes. All of Chamber's works (and his life) can be summed up in this phrase, "Jesus always, Jesus only."
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July 20, 2022This book makes me so crazy. He'll say something like, "An average view of the Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble. It is deliverance in trouble, which is very different." (August 2) And I'll say, "Yes, and Amen." Then, two paragraphs later, he'll say, "God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we over come." And I'll say, "What? No." Jesus HAS (past tense) overcome the world -- John 16:33. We don't overcome the world so much as live in that belief -- 1 John 5:4&5. The work is done, we're not doing it.
On the upside, when Chambers missteps, it's just about always in one of two directions; he expects the Christian to be perfect in obedience, and he downplays Christian community. In other words, he has a bad habit of occasionally putting the Christian individual ahead of God and ahead of others! Unfortunately, what this means is that he takes the focus off of God and puts it on self, which is not what I'm looking for in a devotional.
Oswald says, "God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says, "Arise from the dead," we have to get up; God does not lift us up." (Feb 16) But Paul says we are "raised up with Christ" (Colossians 3:1). Too often, Chambers demands that we perform; the Bible says the work has been done, and our job is to live within that fact. Oswald did not, I trust, believe that we can earn our salvation, but he still liked the idea that man can do good works for God.
But anything we can do for God, comes from God -- "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). While Christians should demonstrate these qualities, we cannot generate them, so when Oswald encourages people to produce these qualities, he can turn one's attention off of God and onto self.
I would definitely not recommend this book for a new Christian, or for one who struggles with legalism, or who tends to believe in the whole "earn your way to heaven" approach. And I wouldn't use it as my daily devotional, because too often it does not direct the reader to Christ but rather pushes the reader toward good behavior, a very different goal. I guess I might recommend it to someone who is solidly grounded in grace, but is looking for a push in the performance department, which is kind of why I'm sticking with it I suppose. And I do think Chambers has some good things to say. But if someone asked, I'd probably recommend something else first.
On the upside, when Chambers missteps, it's just about always in one of two directions; he expects the Christian to be perfect in obedience, and he downplays Christian community. In other words, he has a bad habit of occasionally putting the Christian individual ahead of God and ahead of others! Unfortunately, what this means is that he takes the focus off of God and puts it on self, which is not what I'm looking for in a devotional.
Oswald says, "God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says, "Arise from the dead," we have to get up; God does not lift us up." (Feb 16) But Paul says we are "raised up with Christ" (Colossians 3:1). Too often, Chambers demands that we perform; the Bible says the work has been done, and our job is to live within that fact. Oswald did not, I trust, believe that we can earn our salvation, but he still liked the idea that man can do good works for God.
But anything we can do for God, comes from God -- "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). While Christians should demonstrate these qualities, we cannot generate them, so when Oswald encourages people to produce these qualities, he can turn one's attention off of God and onto self.
I would definitely not recommend this book for a new Christian, or for one who struggles with legalism, or who tends to believe in the whole "earn your way to heaven" approach. And I wouldn't use it as my daily devotional, because too often it does not direct the reader to Christ but rather pushes the reader toward good behavior, a very different goal. I guess I might recommend it to someone who is solidly grounded in grace, but is looking for a push in the performance department, which is kind of why I'm sticking with it I suppose. And I do think Chambers has some good things to say. But if someone asked, I'd probably recommend something else first.
December 4, 2008
This devotional has put things into perspective for me so many days in a row. Oswald has a way of wording things that really gets deep down inside of you!
I have given two copies of this devotional away as gifts and I am about to give my third....it's a great gift idea, because it's really neat to be able to discuss what this means to another individual seeking christ...
Here is just one small taste of one cool exert:
Nov 30
"There is only one relationship that matters and that is your relationship to our LORD. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and GOD will fulfill his purpose for your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to GOD'S purposes, and yours MAY be that life!" -Oswald
I have given two copies of this devotional away as gifts and I am about to give my third....it's a great gift idea, because it's really neat to be able to discuss what this means to another individual seeking christ...
Here is just one small taste of one cool exert:
Nov 30
"There is only one relationship that matters and that is your relationship to our LORD. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and GOD will fulfill his purpose for your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to GOD'S purposes, and yours MAY be that life!" -Oswald
November 17, 2008
After finishing this year-long devotional, the depth of my faith has tremendously deepened. I have not yet found an equal to this material. This is worth going through again for the second, third, even fourth time!
December 17, 2018
3.5 stars
Chambers has some very good thoughts most of the time that challenge me to surrender more fully to the Lord.
There were several instances where I felt his opinion was too strong, especially when he expressed his opinion as Biblical fact (i.e., "God does not say --, He says --").
Chambers has some very good thoughts most of the time that challenge me to surrender more fully to the Lord.
There were several instances where I felt his opinion was too strong, especially when he expressed his opinion as Biblical fact (i.e., "God does not say --, He says --").
January 1, 2020
This was seriously the best book (besides the Bible) that I read in 2019. So much depth and conviction. WOW <3
December 23, 2023
2023 Oswald Chambers is a little too hard-hitting for me to read every year, but every so often I dust him off and rediscover why this devotional book has encouraged and strengthened Christians for decades. Just what I needed this year.
2014 review: This classic devotional book is the best antidote to fluffy Christianity that I know. My parents read this book together every day for 40 years.
Chambers emphasizes a life of obedience, joy and rest in Christ, but it is definitely not a book for the faint of heart. He doesn't flinch at pointing out the flimsiness of our faith and obedience; a favorite phrase is that as imitators and followers of Christ we are required to be "broken bread and spilled out wine" for the benefit of others. The walk is costly, but infinitely rewarding.
2014 review: This classic devotional book is the best antidote to fluffy Christianity that I know. My parents read this book together every day for 40 years.
Chambers emphasizes a life of obedience, joy and rest in Christ, but it is definitely not a book for the faint of heart. He doesn't flinch at pointing out the flimsiness of our faith and obedience; a favorite phrase is that as imitators and followers of Christ we are required to be "broken bread and spilled out wine" for the benefit of others. The walk is costly, but infinitely rewarding.
January 7, 2014
In order to have written the most successful review for this book, I should have started with Day 1 and wrote something about each entry every day. Sadly, I didn't do that. So I'll just do my best to write a summary of my thoughts of this devotional over the year-long experience of reading it. I hope that any reader of this review finds that helpful.
Oswald Chambers is a man who definitely had an ongoing encounter with God. His thoughts tap into every aspect of the experience of following Christ and having communion with the Spirit of God. His words are at times an incredibly profound comfort to a broken heart. At other times, they are a prod to one's flagging determination to fight the good fight and continue that daily walk with God in a meaningful way. Other times, they convict the reader in the best way. The way that the Holy Spirit convicts a believer of complacency or willingness to settle for a life that merely pretends belief in God as opposed to a life-changing, ever-evolving relationship with God that affects every aspect of that person's life in the more meaningful ways. I do believe that God used Mr. Chambers powerfully in writing this devotional. I cannot count how many times I read an entry and I felt that God was talking directly to me. A person once said that we don't read the Bible, but the Bible reads us. I believe that Mr. Chambers was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write something that does exactly that. I found that questions I was struggling with that week were addressed so many times in the entries I read, and I saw the lightbulb go on inside my mind.
I would recommend this devotional to every believer in Jesus, and even to people who seek to know God in a deep way. I believe that the reader will feel touched deep inside and it will make them desire for more of God in their life. The good news is that God wants to walk with each and every one of us in that way and relate to us in a truly real way. God always rewards those who seek him. And "My Utmost for His Highest" is a good tool in that journey of discovering who God is and how intimately we can relate to him everyday. Definitely worth getting a copy of this and spending a year with Oswald Chambers.
Oswald Chambers is a man who definitely had an ongoing encounter with God. His thoughts tap into every aspect of the experience of following Christ and having communion with the Spirit of God. His words are at times an incredibly profound comfort to a broken heart. At other times, they are a prod to one's flagging determination to fight the good fight and continue that daily walk with God in a meaningful way. Other times, they convict the reader in the best way. The way that the Holy Spirit convicts a believer of complacency or willingness to settle for a life that merely pretends belief in God as opposed to a life-changing, ever-evolving relationship with God that affects every aspect of that person's life in the more meaningful ways. I do believe that God used Mr. Chambers powerfully in writing this devotional. I cannot count how many times I read an entry and I felt that God was talking directly to me. A person once said that we don't read the Bible, but the Bible reads us. I believe that Mr. Chambers was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write something that does exactly that. I found that questions I was struggling with that week were addressed so many times in the entries I read, and I saw the lightbulb go on inside my mind.
I would recommend this devotional to every believer in Jesus, and even to people who seek to know God in a deep way. I believe that the reader will feel touched deep inside and it will make them desire for more of God in their life. The good news is that God wants to walk with each and every one of us in that way and relate to us in a truly real way. God always rewards those who seek him. And "My Utmost for His Highest" is a good tool in that journey of discovering who God is and how intimately we can relate to him everyday. Definitely worth getting a copy of this and spending a year with Oswald Chambers.
April 12, 2009
Going throught this in a small group setting. I recommend this method so that more meat is in the lessons. There is much there but the way the general points are made may take some Scripture out of context or focus on one point that is not really the purpose.
We are on 14 Jan...once a week study.
We are on 14 Jan...once a week study.
January 2, 2009
" Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free . . . " ( Galatians 5:1 ).
A spiritually-minded person will never come to you with the demand . . . " Believe this and that " ; a spirtually-minded person will demand that you align your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible , but believe the One whom the Bible reveals (see John 5:39-40 ). We are called to present liberty for the conscience of others, not to bring them liberty for their thoughts and opinions. And if we ourselves are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty . . . the liberty that comes from realizing the absolute control and authority of Jesus Christ.
Always measure your life solely by the standards of Jesus. Submit yourselve to His yoke, and His alone ; and always be careful never to place a yoke on others that is not of Jesus Christ. It takes God along time to get us to stop thinking that unless everyone sees things exactly as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God's view. There is only one true liberty . . . the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.
Don't get impatient with others. Remember how God dealt wih you . . . with patience and with gentleness. But never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, " Go . . . and make disciples .. ." ( Matthew 28:19 ), not, " Make converts to your own thoughts and opinions. "
by: Oswald Chambers- May 6
edited by: James Reimann
A spiritually-minded person will never come to you with the demand . . . " Believe this and that " ; a spirtually-minded person will demand that you align your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible , but believe the One whom the Bible reveals (see John 5:39-40 ). We are called to present liberty for the conscience of others, not to bring them liberty for their thoughts and opinions. And if we ourselves are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty . . . the liberty that comes from realizing the absolute control and authority of Jesus Christ.
Always measure your life solely by the standards of Jesus. Submit yourselve to His yoke, and His alone ; and always be careful never to place a yoke on others that is not of Jesus Christ. It takes God along time to get us to stop thinking that unless everyone sees things exactly as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God's view. There is only one true liberty . . . the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.
Don't get impatient with others. Remember how God dealt wih you . . . with patience and with gentleness. But never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, " Go . . . and make disciples .. ." ( Matthew 28:19 ), not, " Make converts to your own thoughts and opinions. "
by: Oswald Chambers- May 6
edited by: James Reimann
April 18, 2023
If you are looking for a devotional that will challenge you throughout the year, I highly recommend My Utmost for His Highest. Excellent devotional!
September 20, 2022
This book was great and I learned a lot from it! The only thing was that sometimes I found it hard to understand.
April 21, 2024
“Consider the moment you are in right now: Do you feel the spark of eternity, of life itself, lighting you from within? The spark never comes from our own efforts. Obedience keeps us in the light, but it doesn’t fill us with vibrant, vital, untiring life. This can only come from the Spirit. To keep in touch with the Spirit within, we must jealously guard our relationship to God.”—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.
Oswald Chambers’s My Utmost for His Highest is a devotional that has stood the test of time, touching the lives of millions. In its newest incarnation, the 99-day condensation presents the essence of his 366-day journey in a format that meshes with the swift pace of modern life. The shift to the New International Version (NIV) may open the door to a wider audience who may find the traditional King James Version (KJV) daunting.
Editor James Reimann strove to maintain the integrity of Chamber's original prose while making it relatable to today's reader. The added subject and scripture indexes are a practical touch, simplifying navigation and study.
However, those well-acquainted with Chambers’s original work may feel like something is missing. The theological depth felt diluted, the continuity disrupted. It’s a reminder that in the process of adaptation, the essence of the original can be challenging to preserve.
While this edition might not replace the original for purists, it remains a valuable and worthy read, meriting a four-star rating.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Oswald Chambers’s My Utmost for His Highest is a devotional that has stood the test of time, touching the lives of millions. In its newest incarnation, the 99-day condensation presents the essence of his 366-day journey in a format that meshes with the swift pace of modern life. The shift to the New International Version (NIV) may open the door to a wider audience who may find the traditional King James Version (KJV) daunting.
Editor James Reimann strove to maintain the integrity of Chamber's original prose while making it relatable to today's reader. The added subject and scripture indexes are a practical touch, simplifying navigation and study.
However, those well-acquainted with Chambers’s original work may feel like something is missing. The theological depth felt diluted, the continuity disrupted. It’s a reminder that in the process of adaptation, the essence of the original can be challenging to preserve.
While this edition might not replace the original for purists, it remains a valuable and worthy read, meriting a four-star rating.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 31, 2016
If Christians are to read only one book *ever* on Christian formation, this book is the one to read. The wisdom of Oswald Chambers' famed My Utmost for His Highest is spread out over 365 daily readings. I started this journey on the first day of 2016 and finished it today, the final day.
Written in 1935, the language is a bit archaic, but at the same time, the old-fashioned words and wordings raises this book out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's an otherworldly book--there's no other way to describe it.
I've read parts of this book over the years, but never cover-to-cover, on a daily basis throughout the entire year. It's inspiring and convicting at the same time. Oswald pulls no punches, and there were definitely times when I felt a bit bruised. (And more than a bit at times!) But that's a good thing. Oswald rips through any pretensions to complacency, and while it's an uncomfortable journey at times, it's definitely a necessary one.
How else can we put forth our utmost for God's highest?
Written in 1935, the language is a bit archaic, but at the same time, the old-fashioned words and wordings raises this book out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's an otherworldly book--there's no other way to describe it.
I've read parts of this book over the years, but never cover-to-cover, on a daily basis throughout the entire year. It's inspiring and convicting at the same time. Oswald pulls no punches, and there were definitely times when I felt a bit bruised. (And more than a bit at times!) But that's a good thing. Oswald rips through any pretensions to complacency, and while it's an uncomfortable journey at times, it's definitely a necessary one.
How else can we put forth our utmost for God's highest?
December 7, 2012
- This book makes you look at yourself, think, and act.
- If you are typical, you will use this book every day for the rest of your life!
- No book, except the Bible, has influenced my walk with Christ at such a deep and maturing level.
- This book constantly reminds me that the ground of faith and experience is the person of Jesus Christ. The basis of faith is always Jesus Christ Himself.
- These daily readings have been selected from various sources; chiefly from the lectures given at the Bible Training College, Clapham, during the years 1911-1915; then from October 1915 to November 1917, from talks given night by night in the YMCA, Hut, Zeitoun, Egypt. In November 1917, Oswald Chambers entered into God's presence.
- A large portion of the readings have been chosen from the talks given during the Devotional Hour at the College; an hour which for many of the students marked an epoch in their life with God.
- If you are typical, you will use this book every day for the rest of your life!
- No book, except the Bible, has influenced my walk with Christ at such a deep and maturing level.
- This book constantly reminds me that the ground of faith and experience is the person of Jesus Christ. The basis of faith is always Jesus Christ Himself.
- These daily readings have been selected from various sources; chiefly from the lectures given at the Bible Training College, Clapham, during the years 1911-1915; then from October 1915 to November 1917, from talks given night by night in the YMCA, Hut, Zeitoun, Egypt. In November 1917, Oswald Chambers entered into God's presence.
- A large portion of the readings have been chosen from the talks given during the Devotional Hour at the College; an hour which for many of the students marked an epoch in their life with God.
January 13, 2023
His love for others, even his enemies who he did not consider his enemies, along with his courage, has always meant a great deal to me.
July 30, 2025
DNF at page 190
I felt like this devotional book was just not what I was looking for right now. It felt like a chore to read instead of a joy.
There were many passages that I didn't understand because of the wording; maybe something got lost in translation. I think part of the problem is that the author is trying to tackle these big spiritual issues in just a few paragraphs, and so his meaning gets lost because he doesn't take enough room to explain what he means.
And there were other passages that I just didn't agree with at all, such as several instances where the author encourages the reader "Don't consult with other Christians." But the Bible says that "in many counselors there is wisdom". This advice seems all wrong!
There is even a passage where the author says that if you are depressed it's your own fault, and don't bother trying to do physical things to get yourself out of depression, because it's really a spiritual problem. That's horrible! I just can't understand where he gets these things. Depression could have many causes; it's not always primarily a spiritual problem, although there could be spiritual aspects to it.
I just had so many issues with this book. Some of the passages were really insightful and encouraging, but most of the time I did not enjoy this book. I tried to keep going in order to find those little nuggets of wisdom, but decided to DNF it about halfway through.
It's a big disappointment because I have always heard such amazing things about Oswald Chambers, and have read many quotes from him that were so wonderful.
I felt like this devotional book was just not what I was looking for right now. It felt like a chore to read instead of a joy.
There were many passages that I didn't understand because of the wording; maybe something got lost in translation. I think part of the problem is that the author is trying to tackle these big spiritual issues in just a few paragraphs, and so his meaning gets lost because he doesn't take enough room to explain what he means.
And there were other passages that I just didn't agree with at all, such as several instances where the author encourages the reader "Don't consult with other Christians." But the Bible says that "in many counselors there is wisdom". This advice seems all wrong!
There is even a passage where the author says that if you are depressed it's your own fault, and don't bother trying to do physical things to get yourself out of depression, because it's really a spiritual problem. That's horrible! I just can't understand where he gets these things. Depression could have many causes; it's not always primarily a spiritual problem, although there could be spiritual aspects to it.
I just had so many issues with this book. Some of the passages were really insightful and encouraging, but most of the time I did not enjoy this book. I tried to keep going in order to find those little nuggets of wisdom, but decided to DNF it about halfway through.
It's a big disappointment because I have always heard such amazing things about Oswald Chambers, and have read many quotes from him that were so wonderful.
December 31, 2018
I had a difficult time with this book primarily for 2 reasons. 1) It's written in christianese. 2) None of the devotions flow well (I'll get to this).
Christianese. The language that Christians speak. When I taught Sunday school its interesting how often Christian speak is spoken, but not understood. Terms like will, sanctification, justification, atonement, sacred, holy, sin, intercession, discern, etc. all will have a Christian nodding a head, but no one in the room will either know what they mean or agree. So reading through Chambers one has to figure out exactly what theology/definitions/speech he is saying.
This leads to my second point. The devotions don't flow well because like all human beings Chambers has conflicting viewpoints. Some areas temptation is good and others not. One of my biggest complaints is the devotion on December 9. Throughout the book Chambers' theology is opposed to any natural inclination (very odd). He has the following:"The things that are right, noble, and good from the natural standpoint are the very things that keep us from being God's best. Once we come to in that natural moral excellence opposes or counteracts surrender to God, we bring our soul of its greatest battle...it is good that opposes the best. The higher up the scale of moral excellence a person goes, the more intense the opposition to Jesus Christ." The context he is saying is to give up self will, independence, etc. We are no longer individuals.
My question to this though is: does God dislike my naturalness? Did God not fashion me from the dust that moves? Does God enjoy me giving up all of myself to become an empty vase, or does He love it when out of my will I actively seek/partner/love God? Do I not receive God naturally and spiritually? If it's spiritual only, how am I aware of God at all or believe or have rational thought? CS Lewis says morality is objective, but according to Chambers that isn't true. Willard says if you want to be spiritual do the next thing you know to be right. Chambers says I can't trust any natural. I can't trust I know what to be right and somehow God just downloads it?
I can see why people struggle with this. It's not depth, it's confusion. If you buy his theology, then keep trucking.
Christianese. The language that Christians speak. When I taught Sunday school its interesting how often Christian speak is spoken, but not understood. Terms like will, sanctification, justification, atonement, sacred, holy, sin, intercession, discern, etc. all will have a Christian nodding a head, but no one in the room will either know what they mean or agree. So reading through Chambers one has to figure out exactly what theology/definitions/speech he is saying.
This leads to my second point. The devotions don't flow well because like all human beings Chambers has conflicting viewpoints. Some areas temptation is good and others not. One of my biggest complaints is the devotion on December 9. Throughout the book Chambers' theology is opposed to any natural inclination (very odd). He has the following:"The things that are right, noble, and good from the natural standpoint are the very things that keep us from being God's best. Once we come to in that natural moral excellence opposes or counteracts surrender to God, we bring our soul of its greatest battle...it is good that opposes the best. The higher up the scale of moral excellence a person goes, the more intense the opposition to Jesus Christ." The context he is saying is to give up self will, independence, etc. We are no longer individuals.
My question to this though is: does God dislike my naturalness? Did God not fashion me from the dust that moves? Does God enjoy me giving up all of myself to become an empty vase, or does He love it when out of my will I actively seek/partner/love God? Do I not receive God naturally and spiritually? If it's spiritual only, how am I aware of God at all or believe or have rational thought? CS Lewis says morality is objective, but according to Chambers that isn't true. Willard says if you want to be spiritual do the next thing you know to be right. Chambers says I can't trust any natural. I can't trust I know what to be right and somehow God just downloads it?
I can see why people struggle with this. It's not depth, it's confusion. If you buy his theology, then keep trucking.
December 29, 2012
So... how did I like this book??? I gave it 4 stars out of 5 and I sticky noted 48 pages out of the 365 days as my favorites! I would say that is pretty good. I did not give it 5 stars because I have to admit that some of the devotionals just didn't apply to me and some I was left dumbfounded by. Some of those that I didn't understand my hubby was able to explain to me. I am thankful that we read this together or I probably would have quit before we finished, and there were some gems in those last months.
We started reading the book in January and finished it December 9th. We did not read every night be we read 2 devotionals on most of the nights we did read, and so had no trouble finishing the book this year.
This book is a daily devotional taken from the sermons and class lectures of Oswald Chambers. If you don't own the book and are interested you can read each of the devotionals one day at a time at this website... http://utmost.org/
Here are a couple little quotes to show you some of the gems this book has.
“In the midst of the awfulness, a touch comes and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. The right hand not of restraint nor of correction nor of chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," full of sustaining and comfort and strength." May 24
"His purpose is that I depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay in the middle of the turmoil calm and unperplexed, that is the end of the purpose of God." July 28
"Do not look at someone else and say "Well, if he can have those views and prosper, why cannot I?" You have to walk in the light of the vision that has been given to you and not compare yourself with others or judge them, that is between them and God." Dec. 29
I did a post on this book on my blog... http://debbiesdigest.blogspot.com/201...
you can go read that also if you are interested.
We started reading the book in January and finished it December 9th. We did not read every night be we read 2 devotionals on most of the nights we did read, and so had no trouble finishing the book this year.
This book is a daily devotional taken from the sermons and class lectures of Oswald Chambers. If you don't own the book and are interested you can read each of the devotionals one day at a time at this website... http://utmost.org/
Here are a couple little quotes to show you some of the gems this book has.
“In the midst of the awfulness, a touch comes and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. The right hand not of restraint nor of correction nor of chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," full of sustaining and comfort and strength." May 24
"His purpose is that I depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay in the middle of the turmoil calm and unperplexed, that is the end of the purpose of God." July 28
"Do not look at someone else and say "Well, if he can have those views and prosper, why cannot I?" You have to walk in the light of the vision that has been given to you and not compare yourself with others or judge them, that is between them and God." Dec. 29
I did a post on this book on my blog... http://debbiesdigest.blogspot.com/201...
you can go read that also if you are interested.
December 10, 2013
A masterpiece devotional writer, and excellent evangelist and teacher, Oswald Chambers has become near and dear to so many Christian families with the enduring "My Utmost for His Highest." Arguably the most popular classic devotional of all time, there is a reason why Oswald is read and beloved by so many saints around the world.
Each day is a new topic, with a specific scripture wherein Oswald not only leaves plenty of spiritual milk to drink, but also tons of spiritual meat to chew. Each sentence can be contemplated on forever, and each day's devotional is more than enough not only to grow in knowledge and grace, but to daily turn our affections to our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, the author of our faith.
I read Oswald every day in the morning, before I begin my day; each day Oswald reminds me the importance of picking up the cross, and the sacrifice that we must endure for the sake of gaining Christ. I plan to read this devotional throughout the rest of my life, and can't wait for the day that I can give it to my children.
-Brent McCulley
Each day is a new topic, with a specific scripture wherein Oswald not only leaves plenty of spiritual milk to drink, but also tons of spiritual meat to chew. Each sentence can be contemplated on forever, and each day's devotional is more than enough not only to grow in knowledge and grace, but to daily turn our affections to our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, the author of our faith.
I read Oswald every day in the morning, before I begin my day; each day Oswald reminds me the importance of picking up the cross, and the sacrifice that we must endure for the sake of gaining Christ. I plan to read this devotional throughout the rest of my life, and can't wait for the day that I can give it to my children.
-Brent McCulley
March 21, 2010
This is the best devotional book I have ever read. Along with my bible it is going to remain a staple in my devotions from here on out. It is so well written and so real...guiding one to giving their all to God. I read it through, but I will keep it out to read one devotion each day along with my Bible reading, which is how I believe it is mean to be used.
Oswald Chambers' walk with God is so close and so real and down to earth he conveys this so well in this beautiful book, it brings home the point that God means to be very close to us, central in our lives and wants us to be very close in heart to Him.
I love this book because it brought me closer to my Lord and plan to keep on reading it daily.
Oswald Chambers' walk with God is so close and so real and down to earth he conveys this so well in this beautiful book, it brings home the point that God means to be very close to us, central in our lives and wants us to be very close in heart to Him.
I love this book because it brought me closer to my Lord and plan to keep on reading it daily.
December 31, 2013
A small devotional that packs a big punch. The introduction states that they are excerpts from lectures given at a Bible Training College. If these are excerpts...wow....I wonder what the entire messages were like. Although each entry is short (the dimensions of the book are about 4x6), there is enough meat in each entry to give you plenty of food for thought during the day. It is easily something that could be followed for a year and then start right back at the beginning again with it being just as fresh and insightful as if it was the first time picking it up.
August 14, 2023
This devotional is a classic. I started reading My Utmost for His Highest many, many years ago and it was an older version. If you haven’t been blessed by Oswald Chambers then I encourage you to pick this up. OS was a mentor of sorts for me and I felt his words and saw his commitment through his words. This is a great gift for anyone. This edition is a newer version so it can be more understandable. I highly recommend.
Thanks Our Daily Bread via NetGalley.
Thanks Our Daily Bread via NetGalley.
July 16, 2017
Pretty much a must read for every Christian at some stage in their lives! It's a full one year devo, which you can go through time and time again! I would definitely recommend it for quiet time with the Lord! <3
February 26, 2024
Read the “updated edition” in today’s language. There’s so much of value in this little book. This isn’t today’s “feel good Christianity”—be prepared to take an honest look at your shortcomings and how you can better live Christ’s example.
Read
December 12, 2022I read it, although sometimes it was hard going! It's one I may come back to later.
December 16, 2023
Classic devotional from Barbour Publishing, based on the Writings of Chambers.
September 30, 2013
My mom bought this somewhere, but she has never really read it because she already has a couple of devotionals that she loves (Springs in the Valley & Streams in the Desert) - so I just went ahead and stole it from her! I've been reading it for the past week or so, and I'm really enjoying it. It cuts straight to the heart of the matter at hand. It tells it like it is... just good, Bible-based truth. I've tried reading Streams in the Desert before, and although that one has always been close to my mom's heart, I've just never felt like it was what I was looking for, on a personal level. This one, so far, fits the bill. Plus, two more super awesome things about it: This particular edition is leather bound which is the bestest thing ever, and...... IT HAS AN ENTRY FOR FEBRUARY 29TH. YESSSS!!! I was born on February 29th so that's always something I check for right away. Take heed, devotional authors... Leap Day babies love having the 29th recognized. It makes us feel important 'n' stuff.
In my list of pros and cons, I only have one con so far, and it's sort of confusing to lay out on paper: While you're reading this devotional, because of the straightforward writing style, it would be very easy to take the wisdom iterated in each entry and self-convict yourself apart from God - to try and become a "muscular" Christian that attempts to operate outside of God's grace, and then when that fails, beat yourself up with ungodly guilt. Conviction is extremely important, but it has to come from God. We are all imperfect sinners - we have to trust God to work in our lives with his infinite mercy and power, and THAT conviction needs to run through you as you read every word in this book.
In my list of pros and cons, I only have one con so far, and it's sort of confusing to lay out on paper: While you're reading this devotional, because of the straightforward writing style, it would be very easy to take the wisdom iterated in each entry and self-convict yourself apart from God - to try and become a "muscular" Christian that attempts to operate outside of God's grace, and then when that fails, beat yourself up with ungodly guilt. Conviction is extremely important, but it has to come from God. We are all imperfect sinners - we have to trust God to work in our lives with his infinite mercy and power, and THAT conviction needs to run through you as you read every word in this book.
January 1, 2010
This was the best book I read in 2009, and I couldn’t choose any other. This is a stellar book and an especially good book of devotions. Chambers consistently and insistently reminds the reader of the powerful reality of the Redemption, and he bases all of what he writes on this one fundamental truth. The result of this is daily writings on the Christian walk that are permeated with power and hope.
My Utmost came recommended to me by everyone who had ever read it. Now I add my voice to the choir of people who cherish this book. I’ve used Chambers as inspiration for writing in my class, and he has been my masthead quote on my blog several times. I spent all of 2009 in Chambers; I finished the book on December 31. I know I’ll return to it soon.
And now, one of hundreds of highlighted passages from my copy: “There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.”
This is a powerful, foundational, encouraging, challenging tour de force of a book that would benefit the life of every Christian. I can't recommend it enough.
My Utmost came recommended to me by everyone who had ever read it. Now I add my voice to the choir of people who cherish this book. I’ve used Chambers as inspiration for writing in my class, and he has been my masthead quote on my blog several times. I spent all of 2009 in Chambers; I finished the book on December 31. I know I’ll return to it soon.
And now, one of hundreds of highlighted passages from my copy: “There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.”
This is a powerful, foundational, encouraging, challenging tour de force of a book that would benefit the life of every Christian. I can't recommend it enough.
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