NT Volume 3 by D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Like its predecessors, the third volume of New Testament Readings & Devotionals represents an opportunity to better absorb, understand, and study the New Testament with an eye to contemplating and discussing God and Christianity.
It profiles the works of thinkers Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow, juxtaposing their reflective writings with Biblical passages and insights designed to both enlighten readers and lead them to think deeper about Biblical passages and their contemporary meaning.
Readings from Acts, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1& 2 Timothy, and other books from the New Testament offer reflections from AD 50/60 up to Revelation's end times warnings, creating insights which range from historical settings and background information to analytical and critical explorations that lend particularly well to group discussion and Bible study.
Footnotes (some extensive) provide further cross-references to relevant Biblical sections which expand and augment the three writers' insights, allowing Biblical study groups the food for thought and cross-referenced passages necessary to better understand the Bible's wording, concepts, and presentation.
As in the other books in compiler C.M.H. Koenig's growing reference library, this offers Biblical students a unique opportunity to pair the reflections of three Christian thinkers to the basic tenants of the Bible.
The focus on these works in this manner translates to an effective method of applying traditional Biblical events and concepts to contemporary life and thinking, making New Testament Readings & Devotionals another rich tool in the Christian thinker's arsenal of spiritual understanding and reflection.
*The book review is published in the October 2022 issues of:
NT Volume 2 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Having completed his devotional guidebooks for the Old Testament of the Bible, C.M.H. Koenig continues his structure and its accessible, meaningful outreach to Bible students with the second volume of New Testament Readings & Devotionals.
As with his other study guides, selected Biblical passages are interpreted and considered by Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow. These three scholarly thinkers add the critical inspections and considerations that connect Biblical passages to daily life.
In this volume, readings come from most of Acts, James, Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans. This covers Christ's ascension into heaven, Pentecost, and events through Paul's third missionary trip. The books of each are the chapter headings, making it easy to link the devotionals with Biblical readings for scholars seeking further cross-referencing and enlightenment.
Each reading is generally a chapter, with the excerpted devotional accompanying those providing deeper inspections that encourage Biblical students to analyze and savor Scripture in a different, more studious manner.
Footnotes provide further Biblical references for students who would continue their studies prompted by the passages and devotionals designed to test reader knowledge and spiritual reflection.
The opportunities for enlightenment and better understanding of not just the Word of God but its presence in daily life are many. Throughout this connection between Scripture and devotional, readers receive admonitions and rich encouragement to link Christian concepts to daily living.
From the heart and soul of a believer to what it means to walk in Christ's footsteps, led by the Biblical guides represented in the Book and interpreted with joyful reflection here, readers receive a rare opportunity to conduct in-depth studies even if they are not of the scholarly ilk.
Meanwhile, Bible reading groups and study circles receive a guided devotional that helps them better absorb the full meaning of Christ and God's word.
The second book of the New Testament comes to life under Koenig's organizational prowess and the analyses of these three contributors.
Bible students who would conduct guided independent study or work in discussion groups will find New Testament Readings & Devotionals Volume 2 and its predecessors an ongoing opportunity for better spiritual understanding and enlightenment.
*The book review is published in the August 2022 issues of:
NT Volume 1 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Having whetted the Biblical scholar's appetite for better understanding the Bible by pairing readings and interpretations that pique the mind, C.M.H. Koenig moves his compilation skills to the New Testament with the first book in this series, New Testament Readings & Devotionals.
Here, the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are reviewed, analyzing their powerful messages from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
As in the previous Old Testament volumes, selected passages from these books are accompanied by insights and reflections by Biblical scholars Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow.
The readings combine devotionals with much food for thought, but unlike the Old Testament books, points from Psalms are not included.
The intent is to profile the intentions and good works of God.
Most of the selected Biblical passages are one-liners, such as Matthew 11:28's "Come to me." Spurgeon, the commentator for this promise, delves into the "cry of the Christian religion, 'come'" and explores the promise of the call to lead a spiritual life.
Footnotes to each devotional cross-reference other books of the Bible, which lends to further discussion among Christian Bible students. The result is a methodical blend of history and analysis. It creates the perfect format for daily devotionals which are succinct in presentation and full-flavored in analytical prowess, accessible to scholars and lay readers alike.
*The book review is published in the June 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 11 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 11 features the books of Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah, and Malachi, and follows the building of Jerusalem and the historical and spiritual events that affected the Jewish people and the evolution of the Middle East.
God's love for his people is explored through Old Testament quotes from these books and accompanying analysis and interpretation by Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow, who accompany readings from these books with reflections on God's word.
As a daily devotional that adds to the other analytical revelations compiled by C.M.H. Koenig, this 11th volume continues to represent a fine inspection of both history and scripture.
The passages and their accompanying considerations link Biblical events with the intention and word of God, offering both interpretations that pique the mind and inspections designed to prompt reader reflection and self-analysis.
Koenig is particularly adept at adding the kinds of commentary that turn Biblical puzzles into understandable representations of God's purpose and will. This makes for an accessible study that will attract scholars of the Bible, reaching beyond this specialty audience to engage and educate ordinary thinking Christians, as well.
The selected readings are enhanced by the in-depth commentaries, which offer far more connection than the passages alone would create.
The result is a study in Biblical history and interpretation that should be required reading for any Christian student, whether they be Biblical scholars or thinking followers.
*The book review is published in the June 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 10 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 10 is another fine addition to Koenig's Bible study series. It expands the reflections of scholars Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow to consider works from Ezekiel, Daniel, Psalms, Haggai, and Zechariah.
This period of time covers Israel and Judah's exile from 605 BC to 518 BC. It examines key verses and scriptures that are accompanied by in-depth reflections by one of the featured scholars on God's intentions and message.
As with its predecessors, each passage is linked to discussions designed not just to expand upon their underlying meaning and message, but link to the reader's daily experiences and efforts to become closer to God's living word.
These range from specific admonitions key to the passages selected to general observations contrasting the approaches and messages of the Biblical prophets. One early example lies in Hawker's thought-provoking contrast between Ezekiel's delivery and other prophet choices in delivering God's word. Ezekiel used lively images to cement his messages with visual embellishments, for example.
Hawker's commentary on the passages and messages in Ezekiel allow for insights that expand upon the evolution of the church, God's message, and the Lord's concern for the poor and repressed of His world.
Hawker provides most of the commentary in this volume as he moves from Ezekiel to Zechariah's book of prophecy and its importance and impact on the church.
The promise of salvation to representations of Christ, Israel's history, culture, and the impact of the prophets on the delivery of God's word and its incarnation in human affairs makes for many thought-provoking insights highly recommended not just for individual pursuit, but, ideally, Bible group discussion.
Having the commentary linked to specific passages and presented in a digestible daily devotional format lends to a study that excels in embracing the messages of God, Jesus, and how they were interpreted or can be reconsidered in light of Scripture references.
Bible students will find this 10th volume an ongoing journey of discovery that offers many analytical insights connected to the word of God.
*The book review is published in the April 2022 issues of:
OT Volum 9 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Like its predecessors, the 9th volume of Old Testament Readings & Devotionals continues the approach of linking daily devotional readings to the accompanying wisdom of three Biblical commentators: Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow. This perspective continues to offer the greatest accessibility by linking, in chronological order, books of the Bible to spiritual analysis that relates to daily experiences.
The timeline in this 9th volume is 687 BC to 538 BC, before and after the exile of the people of Judah from the southern kingdom. The books covered are 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Lamentations, and Psalms.
Key verses for each day are presented in italics and are from the Christian Standard Bible, with scripture references sometimes linked to the key passage and other times incorporating other scripture. When quoted directly, the Authorized King James Version of the Bible is used.
These readings are accompanied by footnotes linking to all the Biblical references, including Romans, Ezekiel, Luke, and other Old Testament books. This deepens and widens discussions which seek to emphasize the goodness and purpose of God through interactions in early history.
Within this 9th volume lie promises, insights, and analyses of prophecies and calamities alike. From the lessons of false prophets and keys to identifying them to the role of the church in leading people closer to God, Hawker, Spurgeon, and Winslow's reflections use Biblical stories and examples to bring their lessons directly into the discussion groups and minds of readers who would better interpret and understand God's word.
The books of Jeremiah help define the concept of the living God, while the inspections of these three wise men offer further enlightenment that Christian readers will find thought-provoking and essential to both the effort of daily living in keeping with God's word and the bigger picture of how faith operates in human affairs and history.
Volume 9 continues the analytical path set forth in Volumes 1-8, and will be appreciated by Bible students who study the passages and their connections to daily living.
*The book review is published in the April 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 8 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
The 8th volume of Old Testament Readings & Devotionals continues C.M.H. Koenig's survey of the Bible and includes 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Micah, Isaiah, and Psalms. The invasion of Israel by Assyria provides the historical backdrop, while prophecies by Micah and Isaiah drive the spiritual component of this segment of time.
As in his other devotionals and readings, besides quotes from Biblical passages, the commentary and reflections of Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow reflect on God's words, linking them to modern trials of faith and daily living to help Christian readers savor the Bible's meaning in a revised manner.
The key verses selected for each day are from the Christian Standard Bible, and are italicized for quick reference and differentiation from the accompanying commentary. This makes it easy on the eyes of students who want to quickly move between the Bible and insights on its passages.
Some scripture references are cited in the original works and others are not. Those passages quoted within the devotionals come from the King James Version of the Bible.
The historical review and spiritual commentary is very nicely juxtaposed. This is especially useful for Bible students who, when consulting these volumes back-to-back in an organized study, will find much food for thought as well as group discussion.
Footnotes clearly credit the specific Bible references as needed, while the devotionals range from short commentary to lengthy passages of analysis.
Like its predecessors, Volume 8 expands the knowledge of the times and the Word of God that directed, influenced, and enlightened the people of that era. It also holds important reflections for modern man, making this contribution to the series another highly recommended addition to a foundation of knowledge that expands understanding of Biblical times and God's directions.
No Christian collection, especially those where group readings are a mainstay, should be without this and its predecessors.
*The book review is published in the February 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 7 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 7 continues C.M.H. Koenig's multi-volume focus on the Bible, providing discussions centered on the books of Kings, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, 2 Chronicles, Joel, Jonah, Amos, and Hosea. Portions of Psalms are peppered into these readings, as well. Followers of the prior volumes will want to pursue this addition to the series as it continues a methodical analysis of selected passages. As in the prior books, the enlightening discussions come from the writings of Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow. Footnoted references refer back to the Bible for those who would embark on further reading, while the accompanying insights from Hawker, Spurgeon and Winslow more closely examine Bible characters, their intentions and interpretations of their lives, and the actions and responses of God to these disparate lives. Each reading and analytical passage provides food for thought. This will delight readers seeking a reasoned analysis that links to their own daily lives, conflicts, and ideas of salvation, sin, and spiritual strength. This volume, in particular, outlines the successive history of Biblical figures, the presence of God in the hearts and minds of his people, and the daily events that affect them. The close inspection linking Biblical events and verses to considerations of how God operates within the soul and in the world allows readers to approach Biblical interpretation from three distinct viewpoints. The result may all have been written centuries ago, but is here synthesized and presented in a form designed to appeal to busy readers interested in spirituality, Bible interpretation, and inspections that consider the foundations of faith and inspiration. Herein lay rich keys to making these associations between God's word and its enactment in daily living. Volume 7 joins a formidable and inviting, scholarly discourse that is highly recommended for Christian readers and discussion groups alike.
*The book review is published in the February 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 6 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
... Newcomers to the series might anticipate a dry, scholarly rendering of philosophical and spiritual inspection, but C.M.H. Koenig continues to delight with a study that blends flowery, enlightening language from the pen of his chosen commentators: "It is hardly possible to read the order of things observed in the days of David, without having our minds led out to consider yet more, the beautiful disposition and order made in the house of our Almighty Spiritual David, the Lord Jesus Christ, after that he had taken to himself his great name, ascended up on high, led captivity captive, and sat down on the throne of his kingdom."
The enthusiasm and faith shine in passages which are both revealing and celebratory, providing a lively tone that may prove unexpected to those used to drier Biblical probes.
The meticulous pairing of Scripture passage and commentator analysis will delight readers who look for inspiration as much as enlightenment, as in a pairing of a Bible passage from Kings 4:20-21 (“Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they were eating, drinking, and rejoicing. Solomon ruled all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and as far as the border of Egypt. They offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.”) with a delightful inspection by Hawker in his Poor Man's Old Testament Commentary: "Perhaps the splendor and greatness of Solomon’s person, court, and subjects, were never equaled by any prince. He not only governed his own people, but other nations were tributary to him...But delightful as this relation is, as an history, the glory of it is nothing compared to the spiritual sense, considered with an eye to Jesus and his kingdom. If the Reader will read the 72d Psalm with this chapter, and mark the features of both in reference to the Lord Jesus, he will discover that though in that psalm many things said in it may be applied to Solomon; many more in it cannot be applicable at all to him; and must be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ."
Daily reflections such as these do more than educate. They inspire. And, isn't that one of the underlying foundations of the Bible: to provide stories, proverbs, and inspections that lead readers down the path of understanding and reflecting God?
C.M.H. Koenig does all the legwork of making these important connections between Biblical content and Christian belief, choosing passages and supportive analysis that move into daily living with messages and considerations to support the Christian experience and belief system.
Bible students are in for a treat with this latest addition to a series that continues to expand heart, mind, and spiritual roots.
*The book review is published in the January 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 5 by Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume5 is the fifth addition to a projected 14-volume study of Old and New Testaments, and features portions of second Samuel, first Chronicles and Psalms.
As with its predecessors, these Bible selections are paired with associated devotionals excerpts from Robert Hawker (1753–1827), Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), and Octavius Winslow’s (1808-1878) works.
The intention is to provide an in-depth chronological review that allows for daily contemplation in digestible segments that even the busiest Christian can readily absorb.
Because the devotionals are taken directly from each author's works, spelling and grammar fluctuates—but not so much that the readings aren't smooth. C. M. H. Koenig has tweaked some of the words to make them uniformly easy to read through, while the Scriptures associated with them are either direct quotes or paraphrases from the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.
This volume contains some particularly provocative food for thought. Some devotionals provide background and set the stage for the day's reading through introductions, as in Hawker's commentary for Day 33's readings of 1 Chronicles 18: "Reader! while reading the wars of David, do not overlook the spiritual wars in which David’s Lord engaged for the salvation of his people. Jesus hath indeed spoiled principalities and powers, and made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
Other sections take a single passage and elucidate upon its value, as in Day 74's reading of Psalm 24, with accompanying commentary by Spurgeon: "The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not appealed to what is false, and who has not sworn deceitfully.” Psalm 24:4
Outward practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by faith in such a way as to treat good works with contempt; if so, they will receive everlasting contempt at the last great day."
Footnotes provide additional cross-references to other Biblical associations that further enhance the reader's ability to absorb not just single passages and commentary, but interrelated Biblical insights.
It's hard to properly emphasize the value of having these devotionals in a format and with references that elevate their meaning to modern daily experience.
C. M. H. Koenig has done all the footwork and research to bring them into the light. All that's needed is a Christian reader interested in self-study and contemplation.
This audience will find the succinct daily devotional format the ideal method of choice for reading and re-reading the Bible in the way it should be: with repeated, close attention that eschews speed in favor of better understanding and appreciation for its messages and their underlying meanings.
*The book review is published in the January 2022 issues of:
OT Volume 4 by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Like its predecessors, the fourth volume of Old Testament Readings & Devotionals offers Bible students a reasoned course of study. This book explores portions of 1 & 2 Samuel, first Chronicles, and Psalms, providing a survey that links devotionals to Biblical readings that cover 1025 BC – 1010 BC.
As C.M.H. Koenig moves through this Bible study, students receive the opportunity to savor and re-examine the scriptures and their underlying meaning and messages.
This is accomplished not just by profiled passages themselves, but through the added value of excerpts from the devotionals by Robert Hawker (1753–1827), Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), and Octavius Winslow (1808-1878). The Psalms utilized are interspersed throughout the Old Testament volumes.
It's easy to differentiate the key verses (from the Christian Standard Bible) from these associated writings—they appear in italics. It's also easy to link these to a daily pursuit, as each quote and piece appears in a daily format to encourage succinct, thought-provoking reading.
One example is that presented on Day 38, with a reading from Psalm 54: “God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might! God, hear my prayer; listen to the words from my mouth. For strangers rise up against me, and violent men intend to kill me. They do not let God guide them. Selah. God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life.”Psalm 54:1-4.
This pairs with an inspection by Winslow from his Evening Thoughts work: "Where was David now? "In the wilderness of Ziph, in a wood." With not a follower or companion, this favorite of the nation was a homeless wanderer, hunted like a partridge upon the mountain by the bloodthirsty king. But oh, the deep teaching of which he would now be the subject! The nothingness of earthly glory – the emptiness of human applause – the poverty of the creature – the treachery of his own heart – in a word, the vapid nature and utter insufficiency of all earthly good, would be among the many holy and costly lessons he would now learn. Nor this alone. Driven from man, he would now be more exclusively and entirely shut in with God. In his happy experience, that wilderness would be as a peopled world, and that wood as a blooming paradise."
These linked passages offer newfound opportunities for reflection, interpretation, and debate.
Koenig does readers a great service in making these pairings relevant to contemporary times and philosophical and spiritual reflection alike, creating bonds and methods of inquiry that support belief and Biblical relevance alike.
Another note to this collection is that its links are easy to digest in length; yet designed for a contemplation that lends to day-long consideration. An example of this is Day 63's reading of Psalm 73: "It is good for me to draw near to God."Psalm 73:28 (AKJV). This seemingly clear one-liner assumes new meaning when paired with Winslow's Morning Thoughts: "Reader, are you a professing child of God? Content not yourself to live thus; it is a poor, lifeless existence, unworthy of your profession, unworthy of Him whose name you do bear, and unworthy of the glorious destiny towards which you are looking. Thus, may a believer test the character of his love. He in whose heart divine affection deepens, increases, and expands, finds God an object of increasing delight and desire..."
More than a study of Biblical passages alone, Old Testament Readings & Devotionals offers key connections between Biblical words and modern living. As its predecessors do, this fourth volume allows readers the opportunity to slow down and take a reasoned look at the underlying meaning and impact of the Old Testament.
Students can use this volume for either self-study or/and (ideally) discussion. Its powerful associations offer much food for thought, making Old Testament Readings & Devotionals Volume 4 an ideal choice for all kinds of Christian collections and readers.
*The book review is published in the December 2021 issues of:
OT Volume 3 by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3 adds a new study to C.M.H. Koenig's series; this covering Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and a portion of First Samuel during the period between 1406 BC – 1025 BC. This third book in an 11-volume series takes the time and energy to pair analysis with a daily devotional designed to encourage a chronological, in-depth study of the Bible.
Each daily read is marked with a Biblical passage, accompanying devotional with food for thought, and footnoted references that connect Biblical concepts: “The eternal God is thy refuge.” Deuteronomy 33:27 (AKJV)
The word refuge may be translated “mansion,” or “abiding-place,” which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fullness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far is our blessed God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being. It is at home that we feel safe: we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So, when we are with our God, we “fear no evil.”
This opportunity to take Biblical study in digestible pieces and apply its teachings to life experiences and spiritual and philosophical enlightenment lends to a self- or group-study program like few others.
The Bible readings are paired with insights from several scholarly sources, from late 1700s Anglican priest and author Robert Hawker's Poor Man's Old Testament Commentary to the reflections of 1834 English Particular Baptist preacher and author Charles H. Spurgeon, and 1800s pastor and author Octavius Winslow.
The citations highlight striking features in Biblical figures and messages, present interpretations that will lend not just to individual reflection but group study and debate, and allow for daily connections to Biblical messages that analyze the heart of passages in a succinct, chronological approach. While Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3 will appeal to scholarly and religious students, it's also quite accessible to everyday Christians who want to delve deeper into Biblical meaning and God's word in a manner different than most devotionals offer.
Those who find the Bible rich in lessons and meaning, but who need guideposts to fully absorb them, will find Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3 and its series the perfect place to embark upon a well-organized study.
*The book review is published in the August 2021 issues of:
OT Volume 2 by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
C.M.H. Koenig's second volume in Old Testament Readings & Devotionals covers the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers as they reveal God’s spiritual plan for his people (redemption, sanctification, and perseverance), and continues the Biblical study introduced in the first book.
It should be forewarned that this is no light synthesis. It's the second book of a projected 14-volume series, and blends an in-depth study of each book of the Bible with devotionals supporting the read.
The readings are deceptively short. Each consists of, generally, one chapter from the Bible, while the associated devotionals provide excerpts from Robert Hawker (1753–1827), Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), or Octavius Winslow’s (1808-1878) works. C.M.H. Koenig chose to quote the CSB version in the introductions in cases where the wording wasn’t critical to keeping it in the old Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV). There are many versions/translations to choose from.
Readers who follow this study with Bible in hand will find the introductory Biblical passage in italics. This helps locate the key message of the chosen section and juxtapose it with the study quote from one of the above scholars, such as Robert Hawker's comment on Exodus 2:24: "This is a precious scripture. My soul, put a note upon it. No sigh, no groan, no tear of God’s people can pass unobserved. He putteth the tears of his people in his bottle. Surely then he can never overlook what gives vent to those tears, the sorrows of the soul."
Readers can read along in whatever Bible version/translation of their choice. Free online versions/translations are available at Bible Gateway or YouVersion.
Readings are provided materials for daily contemplation. This allows for a special brand of study that adds depth by spacing out the readings and devotionals for in-depth contemplation.
The works gathered in this collection are especially hard-hitting passages. This is yet another example for Day 56, from Leviticus 20: "… I am the LORD your God who set you apart from the peoples.” Leviticus 20:24 Let the Reader remark with me, in the perusal of these verses, the grounds on which the Lord enjoins sanctity of life and manners, and the very strong motives in which it is founded, namely, that the Lord is the God of his people in a covenant way, and that they are his people. So that being thus distinguished as the peculiar objects of his love, reason as well as revelation seems to demand that they should be the peculiar followers of his holy law. See what Moses elsewhere saith of this, Deuteronomy 33:29. (Hawker, Poor Man's Old Testament Commentary: Genesis-Numbers, 512)
This careful juxtaposition of Biblical source material and the reflection expanding its meaning offers essential material suitable for self-study and Bible study groups alike.
C.M.H. Koenig has done the hard work of pulling out selected passages and pairing them with the thought-provoking insights of these seasoned scholars. All the Bible study student needs to do now is reflect upon and apply these meanings to their own understanding of the Bible's intentions and the progression of their own lives.
Bible students of all ages who look for daily devotionals linked to explicit Biblical passages will find this approach revealing and accessible. There is no better way to savor the Scriptures and their underlying meaning than through a well-organized study plan such as this.
*The book review is published in the December 2020 issues of:
OT Volume 1 by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 1 offers succinct daily devotional readings designed to encourage reflections about God's purpose, Biblical passages, Christian Old Testament readings, and the link between these words and daily life.
The passages are gathered from the early works of several major Christian devotional thinkers: authors Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), an English Particular Baptist preacher; Robert Hawker (1753-1827), an Anglican priest; and Octavius Winslow (1808-1878), a pastor. The meat of their impact lies not only in their perspectives, but in compiler Koenig's attention to arranging their insights in a manner that lends to independent or group study of Biblical concepts using a systematic, chronological structure.
This approach walks readers through Scriptures in a logical manner that lends to clear discussions and understanding of the concepts in Genesis and Job, the focus of this first in a projected fourteen-volume Biblical study program.
C.M.H. Koenig grew up as a missionary kid, with daily devotions lead by her parents. This places her in a unique position to gather devotions to lead others, from the first discussion of Genesis to the end of Job. The reflections from leaders of faith are wonderfully written, thought-provoking, and especially recommended for study purposes. This passage stems from the first devotion on Genesis: "No sooner is there a good thing in the world, than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. Children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever."
In providing hard-hitting food for thought in digestible daily passages that lend to discussion and comprehension, Koenig provides Christian readers with a powerful program that advocates taking the time to thoroughly consider major Biblical passages, events, and meaning.
Those engaged in Bible study will find Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 1 an essential key to understanding the Bible in new ways that lead to better comprehension and a richer ability to absorb the true meanings of God and the Bible's stories.
Very highly recommended reading for self-study or Christian group pursuit alike, Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 1 requires only time for careful pursuit and reflection and a Christian audience interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible's connections to human and spiritual affairs and aspirations.
*The book review is published in the August 2020 issues of: