Customer Reviews

My Utmost for His Highest: Updated Edition

5 star:		(194)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This compilation of Oswald Chamber essays and sermons was originally captured by his wife after his death. The format of a daily devotional provides an excellent daily read for the avid and growing Christian.

The individual devotionals are not easily devoured in one reading, generally requiring a second or third reading to fully grasp the depth of Oswald Chambers' deeply Christian messages based on Biblical scriptures. This is not light reading, but in the small fifteen minute devotional increments daily, this makes for excellent reading and provides specific daily focus for the Christian reader. This thought-provoking book can easily become a favorite habit, and it also makes an excellent evangelical gift to those who are new to Christianity.

If you buy only one Christian book this year, buying Oswald Chambers' 'My Utmost for His Highest' would be an excellent choice.

I would give this item five stars if it was the original edition, which I thought it was. However, when I got it in the mail, I noticed it said "updated in today's modern language." I think what makes Oswald's writings so powerful is also the way he writes, with a sense of mystery and flavor. I compared it side-by-side with an older edition I have and found that this edition was dull in constrast. It lacks the life and spirit of the original.

Don't read a dumbed-down "easy" Oswald Chambers. Even if you find his original writings a bit difficult at first, keep on reading and you'll begin to piece things together in a way that is ultimately epiphanic.

I find there is no better way to start the day than with the wisdom in this magnificent devotional; these profound thoughts were given by Oswald Chambers while at the Bible Training College in England, during the years of 1911 through 1914, and after his death in 1917 (while serving in Egypt during World War I) were edited by his wife, and later updated into modern English by James Reimann, who says in his introduction that the book is the "culmination of approximately 1800 hours of research and editing", and the end result are words that flow and feed and sometimes pierce the soul with remarkable accuracy, to remind one of the way Jesus intended us to live. This book, in conjunction with the Bible (Reimann recommends one to read this with one hand and the Bible in the other) are guideposts for a meaningful life.

Not a "God loves you and all is well" type of book, there are many passages of tough love, that keep one on the right track, and I often have the experience of it answering a question that is on my mind. Each day under the header, is a relevant Bible quote, and underneath Chambers' teaching on the subject, in the 250 word range in length. There are various editions to chose from, and mine is a small leather-bound volume using the NKJV for its Bible quotes, with a foreword by Charles Stanley, who as Reimann's pastor, was the one who recommended the original Chambers work to him.
The back of the book has two useful sections, a Subject Index, and a Scripture Index.
As the end of the year approaches, I'm looking forward to reading this on a daily basis for the second time, and every year thereafter; its teachings are invaluable, and I believe this is a truly inspired work, that will guide and nurture all who read its truth.

You'll read "deeper" books, but few as consistently challenging. Chambers speaks, in one-a-day bites, about the devotion a Christian must have to be obedient to God. These aren't "sound bites," but morsels of a very meaty meal. Catholics and Protestants both will find Chambers pointing the way to Heaven, and helping us know how to live out Christ's plan while still on Earth.

A verse accompanies each day, and these ought be looked up to see the fully context. Have your Bible and a notepad next to you.

Chambers is candid to say the Christian life is difficult, but encourages us that this difficulty should challenge us, not scare us away. Maybe Chambers might like the slogan "A few good men," except this time referring to future converts?

For people who like the "Daily Bread" booklets, check "My Utmost" out. Like the DB series, each entry will take you just a few minutes to read, but plenty of time to ponder.

Use this together as a discussion step with another person, your spouse or small group. Figure out why Chambers places the standard so high -- does Scripture agree? And once you figure out the answer for a given day's passage, now what? What is your response?

I read an entry and realize I've got a long way to go, but feel glad I'm on the road.

Anthony Trendl
http://anthonytrendl.com

If it wasn't for Oswald Chamber's wife, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST would never have been published. After Chamber's death, his wife collected some of his writings together into this devotional book. Praise God for such a woman of noble character.MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST is one of the best daily devotions around. Chambers doesn't mess around with wishy-washy, look-at-the-Jesus-in-my-pocket Christianity. Instead, he delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a Christian. Chambers knew the importance of a moment and this book is full of wisdom in living a life pressed out to the best, giving one's utmost for His highest. There isn't another daily devotion to compare.

I received this book as a Christmas present and in the month and a half that I've been reading it on a daily basis, it continues to speak to my spiritual condition in a way that's almost eerie. Not every day hits but those that do shock me back to my faith journey and remind me about where I should be focused. How could He/he (God and Oswald Chambers) know so accurately what I need to hear? As a committed Quaker (Religious Society of Friends), I have been surprised to find that "My Utmost" transcends the unfortunate Christian political divisions and meets us as followers of Christ. This book had become as central to my daily routine as brushing my teeth but far less rote!

As a Bible teacher, missionary and chaplain, Oswald Chambers' love for God is shared in this book in a way that is both inspirational and challenging. Avoiding "formula" Christianity of the "pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by" genre, Chambers calls his readers to a determined and purposeful abandonment of the things of this world, and to a habitual and concentrated identification with the suffering of Christ for the sake of the world, with a view toward the joy that is set before us.

Having been originally written from about 1910 to 1917, the style of these short talks may necessitate more meditation on the part of the reader than more contemporary books would, but the gems of thought contained therein will more than reward those who will make the effort.

If you want to be called to the next level of discipleship and commitment to the cause of Christ, this book of daily devotionals will certainly be a great source of motivation and encouragement.

I received this book as a gift for tutoring a student in mathematics. My daily actions have been guided by the words of Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost". I find myself reading this book at the best of times and at the worst times of my life. It is truly an inspiration.

I have the hardcovered 1994 version. This is the second year I am reading it. Last year on the Sept.11 tradegy it spoke deeply to my soul as well as on the 12th. I guess that's why when I was in the book store 2yrs ago in the spiritual section and asked God to guide my hand to the book he wanted me to get he made this one of the two books. It has the date ex:( July 20) on top of each page with a quote from the bible. Then you have a couple of paragraphs that are deep and meaningful that teach you. Below that is 2 lines of a prayer request from the author. This book has been around since 1935. It's worth buying.

5 stars for content of this timeless classic. 0 stars for no formatting, which, in a 365 entry daily devotional, is ESSENTIAL !!! What were they thinking of to miss that, and at $9.99 a pop? How come I'm the only reviewer to mention this?