What do you think?
Rate this book
Devotions for a Deeper Life: A Daily Devotional – The Perfect Christian New Year's Resolution Gift
Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest , remains one of the best-loved and most deeply respected theologians and writers in church history. Few authors inspire and encourage as he does, and never is this more apparent than in Devotions for a Deeper Life. Devotions for a Deeper Life, excerpted from lesser known essays Chambers wrote in the early twentieth century, will instruct and encourage you with its accuracy and poignant reflections on the Christian life. This daily devotional dives into what it means to live out your faith in dynamic and compelling ways. More than 75 years have passed since the original publication, but the content remains relevant and deeply inspiring. Oswald Chambers created one of the most classic and influential books in church history when he penned My Utmost for His Highest. His insights and understanding of the nature of God challenge readers to examine their faith and grow in depth and maturity. Devotions for a Deeper Life brings this message to an entirely new generation of believers and will show, once again, the timeless beauty found in the truth of Scripture.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published August 16, 1986
295 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Oswald Chambers
341 books498 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 8, 2016
About the Book:
Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, remains one of the best-loved and most deeply respected theologians and writers in church history. Few authors inspire and encourage as he does, and never is this more apparent than in Devotions for a Deeper Life.
Devotions for a Deeper Life, excerpted from lesser known essays Chambers wrote in the early twentieth century, will instruct and encourage you with its accuracy and poignant reflections on the Christian life. This daily devotional dives into what it means to live out your faith in dynamic and compelling ways. More than 75 years have passed since the original publication, but the content remains relevant and deeply inspiring.
Oswald Chambers created one of the most classic and influential books in church history when he penned My Utmost for His Highest. His insights and understanding of the nature of God challenge readers to examine their faith and grow in depth and maturity. Devotions for a Deeper Life brings this message to an entirely new generation of believers and will show, once again, the timeless beauty found in the truth of Scripture.
My Review:
Oswald Chambers is known for his profound speaking style and his blunt approach to Christian living and teaching. Our family loves to read anything by Oswald Chambers and we usually read them as during our devotional time right before bed each night. He speaks power and truth into our lives and its great because its the truth. I want a speaker that is going to come at me with the cross and bring it with him.
Even though these were written in the early twentieth century they can still apply today. That is what is so great about his writings they are timeless. This devotional is a year long so you have everything you could possibly need for the entire year. His words are great and the daily devotion is short and to the point. A great way to start each day with the Lord.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, remains one of the best-loved and most deeply respected theologians and writers in church history. Few authors inspire and encourage as he does, and never is this more apparent than in Devotions for a Deeper Life.
Devotions for a Deeper Life, excerpted from lesser known essays Chambers wrote in the early twentieth century, will instruct and encourage you with its accuracy and poignant reflections on the Christian life. This daily devotional dives into what it means to live out your faith in dynamic and compelling ways. More than 75 years have passed since the original publication, but the content remains relevant and deeply inspiring.
Oswald Chambers created one of the most classic and influential books in church history when he penned My Utmost for His Highest. His insights and understanding of the nature of God challenge readers to examine their faith and grow in depth and maturity. Devotions for a Deeper Life brings this message to an entirely new generation of believers and will show, once again, the timeless beauty found in the truth of Scripture.
My Review:
Oswald Chambers is known for his profound speaking style and his blunt approach to Christian living and teaching. Our family loves to read anything by Oswald Chambers and we usually read them as during our devotional time right before bed each night. He speaks power and truth into our lives and its great because its the truth. I want a speaker that is going to come at me with the cross and bring it with him.
Even though these were written in the early twentieth century they can still apply today. That is what is so great about his writings they are timeless. This devotional is a year long so you have everything you could possibly need for the entire year. His words are great and the daily devotion is short and to the point. A great way to start each day with the Lord.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2016
DEVOTIONS FOR A DEEPER LIFE is a book my pastor-husband wanted for his collection, so when I was offered a chance to review it, I jumped at the chance. Oswald Chambers is a master of writing devotions, even years after his death they are still so very relevant today.
Each devotion has a verse, a devotion, a prayer, and then a Bible selection for readers to spend more time in the word. In the hardback volume, there is a ribbon to mark your place, and the devotions are each dated for the 365 days in a year so you can read the one marked for the day you are on calendar-wise, or you can read them in order if you want.
Highly recommended for pastors, families, couples, singles, church libraries, gift-giving and much more.
Beautiful cover makes it ideal for the upcoming holiday season -- or any season.
Each devotion has a verse, a devotion, a prayer, and then a Bible selection for readers to spend more time in the word. In the hardback volume, there is a ribbon to mark your place, and the devotions are each dated for the 365 days in a year so you can read the one marked for the day you are on calendar-wise, or you can read them in order if you want.
Highly recommended for pastors, families, couples, singles, church libraries, gift-giving and much more.
Beautiful cover makes it ideal for the upcoming holiday season -- or any season.
July 30, 2021
Honestly, it wasn’t even close to My Utmost for His Highest. The devotionals just didn’t seem well pieced together. Some were great. Some were just not a great devotional for the day and some seemed like fillers.
I still love Oswald Chambers, but wouldn’t recommend this one. Just stick with My Utmost.
I still love Oswald Chambers, but wouldn’t recommend this one. Just stick with My Utmost.
December 16, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Devotions for a Deeper Life: A Daily Devotional by Oswald Chambers, © 1986, Hardcover 2016
JANUARY 2
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
––John 1:12
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID not come into this world to do the work of a social reformer, a political administrator, a judge, or simply a ruler in the affairs of men and women.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, to perform a work of grace in the hearts of individuals that will impart a new disposition of righteousness. This heartfelt transformation will make God real in our lives.
Jesus Christ is a Savior who saves, not by the impressions we derive from a study of His character, but through the work He did by the shedding of His blood on the cross. Jesus Christ is a Sanctifier who sanctifies, not by our sympathetic imitation of Him, but by the fact of what He works in us.
Our Lord was not only without sin, but He also provides a work of grace whereby you and I might be without sin. Our Lord not only obeyed the good and perfect will of God perfectly, but He also makes it possible for us to fully obey God's perfect will. Our Lord Jesus Christ was our personal substitute on the cross, and our participation in His salvation depends on our acknowledgment of this glorious deed in our behalf.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: Father, I acknowledge my salvation
through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.
SUGGESTED READING: JOHN 1:6-14
Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
The writings of Oswald Chambers in this volume are excerpted from articles originally published in the periodical God's Revivalist from 1907-1916. Notes from his classroom lectures, Bible studies he led, and in subsequent years, other articles contributed... I commend this volume as a spiritual aid to all who seek to be more like Christ in Spirit-filled living for Him. ––Glenn D. Black, Editor
JULY 29
And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
––Nehemiah 8:12
THIS IS ALWAYS THE RESULT of rightly understanding the Word of God. Understanding the Bible makes us better fathers and mothers, better husbands and wives, better sons and daughters, better citizens, and better human beings.
One reason why the Bible is not read clearly is because we have the habit of teaching from isolated texts, and the teacher too often takes the text as a title. The way to get back to reading the whole Word of God, and to reading it with understanding, is to live in Bible territory––to regulate one's life and experience in every detail by God's revealed law.
We must rely on His Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible, of course, so that the commonplace moods are stripped from us as we listen.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: As I understand the Word of
God, help me to grow in personal holiness.
SUGGESTED READING: NEHEMIAH 8:9-18
This daily devotional, January 1 - December 31, has a Scripture Index in the back, a ribbon place marker, and a To, From, Date inscription page in the front.
DECEMBER 14
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
––Ephesians 2:6
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST has the "any man" aspect; "whosoever will" may come to Him and find salvation. So many times we hear people say, "Those experiences are not for me. My past life has been so mean, so sordid, that surely God doesn't mean me." But God does mean you: He means by His marvelous grace and power to create Jesus Christ in you.
God made no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Anyone may, at the Cross of Jesus, find forgiveness of sins and entire sanctification. God stoops to the very lowest, the very weakest––yes, to the "sons of disobedience"––and raises them up, if they will let Him.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: O God, I know that Your marvelous
grace is the secret to spiritual victory. Hallelujah!
SUGGESTED READING: EPHESIANS 2:1-7
***Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for sending a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Devotions for a Deeper Life: A Daily Devotional by Oswald Chambers, © 1986, Hardcover 2016
JANUARY 2
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
––John 1:12
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID not come into this world to do the work of a social reformer, a political administrator, a judge, or simply a ruler in the affairs of men and women.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, to perform a work of grace in the hearts of individuals that will impart a new disposition of righteousness. This heartfelt transformation will make God real in our lives.
Jesus Christ is a Savior who saves, not by the impressions we derive from a study of His character, but through the work He did by the shedding of His blood on the cross. Jesus Christ is a Sanctifier who sanctifies, not by our sympathetic imitation of Him, but by the fact of what He works in us.
Our Lord was not only without sin, but He also provides a work of grace whereby you and I might be without sin. Our Lord not only obeyed the good and perfect will of God perfectly, but He also makes it possible for us to fully obey God's perfect will. Our Lord Jesus Christ was our personal substitute on the cross, and our participation in His salvation depends on our acknowledgment of this glorious deed in our behalf.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: Father, I acknowledge my salvation
through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.
SUGGESTED READING: JOHN 1:6-14
Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
The writings of Oswald Chambers in this volume are excerpted from articles originally published in the periodical God's Revivalist from 1907-1916. Notes from his classroom lectures, Bible studies he led, and in subsequent years, other articles contributed... I commend this volume as a spiritual aid to all who seek to be more like Christ in Spirit-filled living for Him. ––Glenn D. Black, Editor
JULY 29
And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
––Nehemiah 8:12
THIS IS ALWAYS THE RESULT of rightly understanding the Word of God. Understanding the Bible makes us better fathers and mothers, better husbands and wives, better sons and daughters, better citizens, and better human beings.
One reason why the Bible is not read clearly is because we have the habit of teaching from isolated texts, and the teacher too often takes the text as a title. The way to get back to reading the whole Word of God, and to reading it with understanding, is to live in Bible territory––to regulate one's life and experience in every detail by God's revealed law.
We must rely on His Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible, of course, so that the commonplace moods are stripped from us as we listen.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: As I understand the Word of
God, help me to grow in personal holiness.
SUGGESTED READING: NEHEMIAH 8:9-18
This daily devotional, January 1 - December 31, has a Scripture Index in the back, a ribbon place marker, and a To, From, Date inscription page in the front.
DECEMBER 14
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
––Ephesians 2:6
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST has the "any man" aspect; "whosoever will" may come to Him and find salvation. So many times we hear people say, "Those experiences are not for me. My past life has been so mean, so sordid, that surely God doesn't mean me." But God does mean you: He means by His marvelous grace and power to create Jesus Christ in you.
God made no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Anyone may, at the Cross of Jesus, find forgiveness of sins and entire sanctification. God stoops to the very lowest, the very weakest––yes, to the "sons of disobedience"––and raises them up, if they will let Him.
_________________________________
Prayer Thought: O God, I know that Your marvelous
grace is the secret to spiritual victory. Hallelujah!
SUGGESTED READING: EPHESIANS 2:1-7
***Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for sending a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
April 20, 2019
An excellent devotional. Occasionally some of his words seem to require more context than the book provides, otherwise they could be a bit misleading.
Still, most of the devotionals are challenging, and an excellent resource for building one another up in faith and love.
Quotes:
The peace of God is not the peace of stoicism or passivity.
We have too often forgotten God’s hatred of sin.
Set your heart and mind toward God and let the holy light of Jesus Christ search through every nook and cranny.
A saint’s conduct does not spring from adherence to external rules, but is the spontaneous outcome of an inward life of holiness and love.
Paul was not an ordinary Pharisee. He dealt too honestly with himself so that sooner or later the self-satisfaction, natural to the Pharisee, must give way...
God did not send them. They consulted with “flesh and blood.” Listen to God, not to the selfish voice of “flesh and blood.”
The secret of a holy life is not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Holiness, not love, is the greatest thing in the world; for holiness is the basis of love.
It is dangerous to draw peace from the realization that we have turned from a wrong way of living to a right way. This is the very essence of pharisaic fanaticism. Holiness is the remaking of our inward and hidden desires and affections, when the Holy Spirit of God dwells in our mortal bodies.
Satan attempts to convince us that we “must do this or that.” But the Spirit of God will steadily remind us that only faith will keep us.
I do not believe that I have met many real backsliders, but I have met many people (and so have you) who never “slid forward,”...
I am apt to forget the long way it took God to bring me to this point in the divine life, and I lose patience with other folks if they do not see at once what I now see.
Rejoice in everything if you are His child—no matter where you find yourself, no matter what your circumstances are, no matter what tribulations come. You can give thanks in all things because He remains the same.
the full gospel of God is that He enables you to love others as He does. He permits you to live and walk and breathe and move in this natural body with the likeness of Jesus Christ.
God is wonderful! He brings the friends we need just at the right time, and He removes them just at the right time. It is their removal that is the hardest lesson for us to accept.
Our Lord offended many, but He never caused one to stumble. His disciples must know the difference also!
Deliver me from bondage to other Christians. May I truly enjoy freedom in Christ.
The standard of my life must be the same as the Lord’s—holiness of walk and character. My limitations and liberties must spring from my personal devotion to Jesus Christ and to nothing else.
The Light of the world is Jesus, and one’s own point of view is darkness.
Still, most of the devotionals are challenging, and an excellent resource for building one another up in faith and love.
Quotes:
The peace of God is not the peace of stoicism or passivity.
We have too often forgotten God’s hatred of sin.
Set your heart and mind toward God and let the holy light of Jesus Christ search through every nook and cranny.
A saint’s conduct does not spring from adherence to external rules, but is the spontaneous outcome of an inward life of holiness and love.
Paul was not an ordinary Pharisee. He dealt too honestly with himself so that sooner or later the self-satisfaction, natural to the Pharisee, must give way...
God did not send them. They consulted with “flesh and blood.” Listen to God, not to the selfish voice of “flesh and blood.”
The secret of a holy life is not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Holiness, not love, is the greatest thing in the world; for holiness is the basis of love.
It is dangerous to draw peace from the realization that we have turned from a wrong way of living to a right way. This is the very essence of pharisaic fanaticism. Holiness is the remaking of our inward and hidden desires and affections, when the Holy Spirit of God dwells in our mortal bodies.
Satan attempts to convince us that we “must do this or that.” But the Spirit of God will steadily remind us that only faith will keep us.
I do not believe that I have met many real backsliders, but I have met many people (and so have you) who never “slid forward,”...
I am apt to forget the long way it took God to bring me to this point in the divine life, and I lose patience with other folks if they do not see at once what I now see.
Rejoice in everything if you are His child—no matter where you find yourself, no matter what your circumstances are, no matter what tribulations come. You can give thanks in all things because He remains the same.
the full gospel of God is that He enables you to love others as He does. He permits you to live and walk and breathe and move in this natural body with the likeness of Jesus Christ.
God is wonderful! He brings the friends we need just at the right time, and He removes them just at the right time. It is their removal that is the hardest lesson for us to accept.
Our Lord offended many, but He never caused one to stumble. His disciples must know the difference also!
Deliver me from bondage to other Christians. May I truly enjoy freedom in Christ.
The standard of my life must be the same as the Lord’s—holiness of walk and character. My limitations and liberties must spring from my personal devotion to Jesus Christ and to nothing else.
The Light of the world is Jesus, and one’s own point of view is darkness.
October 27, 2016
I have enjoyed reading Oswald Chambers for quite a while now. This is a great devotional that I hadn't read until now (this is an updated version). I like the size, the simplicity, and the daily readings. The best part about this little book is he does a short daily devotional and then gives recommended reading from the Bible. This is perfect for those mornings when you feel rushed or perhaps can be done as a couple/family.
"I received this book from BookLook bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."
"I received this book from BookLook bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."
December 21, 2020
Excellent devotional
Oswald Chambers has way of having just the right message to match your day or your situation. This daily reading will soon become a old friend as you read it year after year.
Oswald Chambers has way of having just the right message to match your day or your situation. This daily reading will soon become a old friend as you read it year after year.
December 31, 2018
A true devotional, read this over the year had many excellent ideas and teachings. Became more aware of God’s teachings through this work. Recommend this devotional to all...SLT
August 29, 2022
I love Oswald Chambers. My Utmost for His Highest is a devotional book I've read year after year, but last summer I was in a slump and decided to try this book, which I hadn't read. I stuck with it, but was mostly disappointed and have supplemented with other books along the way.
Perhaps it's just me and where I'm at, but it felt like it was lacking the same substance I appreciate from My Utmost for His Highest.
Perhaps it's just me and where I'm at, but it felt like it was lacking the same substance I appreciate from My Utmost for His Highest.
December 31, 2024
More life-changing truths from Oswald Chambers
Although lesser known this collection of writings from Oswald Chambers is still based in well chosen scriptures and thoughtful study. Highly recommended as a daily reading book, especially for those with busy lives.
Although lesser known this collection of writings from Oswald Chambers is still based in well chosen scriptures and thoughtful study. Highly recommended as a daily reading book, especially for those with busy lives.
December 29, 2025
Excellent devotional
Encouraging and insightful, each day is proportioned well and leads its reader through the Word of God. Chambers's notes on giving your nights to the Lord were intriguing and inspiring.
Encouraging and insightful, each day is proportioned well and leads its reader through the Word of God. Chambers's notes on giving your nights to the Lord were intriguing and inspiring.
December 29, 2023
This book truly builds your relationship with the Lord. The entries are practical and very applicable. It is a devotional to have in your arsenal.
December 25, 2025
This devotional definitely takes you to deeper thoughts about how we should live our lives in Christ.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews