Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)

Works which reach the status of “classics” in the canon of literature generally do so for good reasons; they stand the test of time and have something compelling about them. And so it is for Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest.

One can find this devotional in almost any format; this one (galley received as part of early review program) is published as a hardcover by Our Daily Bread and is intended to serve as a gift edition.

Oswald Chambers was a child of the fin de siècle who was raised a Scottish Baptist but joined the Holiness movement and participated in early Pentecostalism. He died while ministering to soldiers during World War I. Most of his works, including My Utmost for His Highest, were based on the transcription of notes his widow had taken during his messages at the Bible Training College he had founded. The original version was formatted for 366 devotionals; this edition was modified to cover them in 90 days.

Most devotional works these days attempt to somehow replicate Chambers in some way or another, and most fall short. He is not prepossessing; he does not wade into anything remotely controversial; and yet the substance of his messages remain profound. It truly is all about devoting oneself to God and His purposes and turning away from the impulses of self and the world.

It is best to take one’s time with a devotional such as this and meditate on each one. Highly recommended.… (mere)