This collection was recommended at Worthwhile Books. It contains 365 daily devotional readings by John Wesley, and I have a hard time putting it down in the mornings! At the moment, I’m about 10 days ahead (the readings are dated, one for each day of the year). I’ll probably keep increasing my lead indefinitely.
What I like:
1.) The readings are in series, not isolated units. They develop a theme for awhile, then move on. (My Utmost for His Highest is like this, too.) It gives my morning reflection — and consequently the rest of my day — a continuous feel rather than a fragmented one, and the themes stay in my mind.
2.) Clarity. When I was in 8th grade, I remember starting to question some of the terminology Christians throw around. It’s not bad terminology, but any words that get overused start to detach a little from their meanings. Even phrases like “born again,” used by Jesus himself, lose their potency and clarity when used as casually, or as much like code words, as they often are. I remember pouncing on Galatians 2:20 because it seemed to pin down a spiritual reality so clearly.
But how I would have loved to pounce on this book back then. Here’s a sample — Wesley’s development of the idea of being “born again“:
Before a child is born he has eyes, but does not see; he has ears, but does not hear. He has an imperfect use of all other senses. He has no knowledge or natural understanding of any of the things of the world. As soon as he is born, he begins to see the light and the objects around him. His ears are opened, and he hears the sounds which strike upon them. At the same time, all other organs of sense begin to be exercised upon their proper objects. He now breathes and lives in a manner totally different from before.
How exactly does the parallel hold in all these instances! While one is in a mere ‘natural’ state, before he is born of God, he has — in a spiritual sense — eyes and sees not. A thick, impenetrable veil lies upon them. He has ears, but hears not. He is deaf to that which is of the most concern to hear. His other spiritual senses are all locked up. Hence he has no knowledge of God or the things of God, either of spiritual or eternal things. Although he is living man, he is a dead Christian. But all this changes as soon as he is born again of the spirit.
I suppose it would be considered an “evangelistic” message today. But it was, after all, a religious scholar who asked Jesus to explain the new birth. Jesus was quite philosophical in reply, referencing the mystery of the wind.
I like Wesley’s style of meditation. Without fanfare, in simple language, the basics of the faith are laid bare. It’s an excellent breakfast for mind and soul.
This sounds really great, Janet! I’ve been reading a book by Gary Smalley that has really encouraged and challenged me. I’ll review it as soon as I finish!
I had not heard of this devotional, but it sounds good.
I’m delighted you are enjoying the book. There are some books I recommend with fear and trembling because they don’t “tickle” modern ears, but this one is worth the effort.
A devotional by John Wesley caught my eye and I had to stop and read. This one sounds excellent. I, too, like simple writing and often find myself reading ahead in the daily devotionals. I like your phrase – “breakfast for mind and soul.” I’m sure that is one reason why we are encouraged to meditate early in the morning. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention.
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