"Reckless Abandon": The Passionate Voice of Oswald Chambers

One of the sweetest voices in my life will be introduced later on, my Aunt Joan, gave the book, "My Utmost For His Highest," to me upon my graduation from high school.

This daily devotional, by Oswald Chambers, was compiled from the shorthand notes taken by his wife at the many lectures and talks that he gave in his short life. His wife, Gertrude Hobbs, (he called her "Biddy," short for "Beloved Disciple,") bequeathed us an amazing gift when she did this.

Oswald Chambers was born in Scotland in 1874 to a Baptist minister. At age 15, hen his family moved to London, he made his first profession of faith and deepened his faith quickly over the next few years. Although he was gifted artistically and musically, he was anxious to understand God's will for his life. He trained at London's Royal Academy of Art, then moved to the University of Edinburgh, choosing rather to study for the ministry and left to go to Dunoon College. In 1906 he began a long trek around the world - stopping in Ohio to teach at God's Bible School, then on to Japan to Tokyo Bible School into full time ministry with the Pentecostal League of Prayer. His work with the League of Prayer was 1907-1910, Bible Training College, London as Principal and main teacher 1911-1915, and then he became the chaplain to the British Commonwealth soldiers in Egypt through the Y.M.C.A. from 1915-1917, (The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers, O.C. Publications, 2000).

In the daily devotional "My Utmost for His Highest," the deep insight into scripture and his challenging words are not cliche or platitudes for how to have a good day as a Christian. His words penetrate deep into the heart. On many days< I feel I have had a conversation with him reading my mind. He does not "leave you alone" to wallow - but calls you up, out, higher. Because that is what he sees God calling us to do.

One distinguishing characteristic of his writing is that he often used the Moffatt version of the Bible - giving a fresh look at scriptures that are so familiar we sometimes fail to feel the full weight of the words. I have a few favorites: January 1. April 27, July 11, to name a few. If you have never read him I strongly encourage you to do so.

After reading it for 46 years, I can truly say that it remains fresh and convicting every time I pick it up. His repeated call to be "recklessly abandoned to God," to allow yourself to be "broken bread and poured out wine" in service to others, never fails to land in my heart with beauty, conviction and desire.

Chambers only lived to be 43 years old, yet, his words have inspired millions. "My Utmost for His Highest" has been continuously in print since 1927.

"My eager desire and hope being that I may never feel ashamed, but now, as ever, I may do honor to Christ, in my own person by fearless courage." Phil. 1:20. (Moffatt). I believe Mr. Chambers fulfilled this hope. I pray that i will do the same.

With Joy in this Journey,

Charlotte