Utmost Response: a Daily Reaction to My Utmost for His Highest

I’ve been writing an “Utmost Response” every day since August.

What is an Utmost Response?

Exactly what it sounds like–a response to that day’s reading in My Utmost for His Highest.

The idea came one morning while praying. Many people have told me that while they like the idea of reading My Utmost for His Highest, it can be hard to understand.

As I thought about the problem, a question slipped through my brain:

“Why not write out a reaction to each day’s reading and post it somewhere for people to join you?

It sounded like an interesting idea.

Several days later, I read a request to discuss the day’s reading on a Facebook page devoted to My Utmost for His Highest.

I liked the idea of minds sharpening minds while discussing Oswald Chambers‘ writing.

So I started writing my response–or explanation– each morning.

I post it there and on my own Michelle Ule, Writer Facebook page. (Click on the link to see today’s Utmost Response–no matter the date when you read this!)

The discipline of writing an Utmost Response.

I generally write my reaction every morning, first thing.

Some days the readings are really hard.

I sit with that cat curled on my lap clicking between the My Utmost for His Highest website and Facebook, trying to figure out what OC (my nickname for him) is saying.

I toggle between the classic version–which I read first since that was Biddy’s original compilation– and the revised version (done by James Reimann several years ago).

Between the two versions I can usually figure out what the reading says.

When I get stumped, I turn to A Daily Companion to My Utmost for His Highest by Drs. Jed and Cecilie Macosko. (You can read my interview with Jed Macosko here and here).

It usually helps, but not always.

Unique angle on the readings

I bring a unique angle to the readings since I’m Biddy’s biographer and know a lot about the Chambers’ lives.

Sometimes I put the readings into the historical context, which can add some poignancy regular readers do not know.

I have access to photos and include them as makes sense and I always include the link to that day’s reading.

The surprises to me

While I’ve been reading My Utmost for His Highest daily for nearly 20 years, I haven’t always focused on understanding the reading.

They are not Scripture, but my reaction to the readings changes based on what I’m enduring in my life at a given time.

After six months of having to really think about the meanings and explain, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the wisdom–of both Oswald and Biddy putting together the devotional.

I am familiar with the sixteen main themes in the devotional, as explained by Dr. Ken Boa, but had never seen them in quite the same clarity before.

OC is very focused on our self-will. The subject comes up over and over again.

I take apart the reading, focus on what strikes me as important and ask others to comment.

I’ll post one here and you can try it yourself.

An Utmost Response

Here’s what I posted on the Michelle Ule, Writer Facebook page for February 6:

The February 6 reading deals with the self-will.

OC challenges us on our self-will throughout My Utmost for His Highest. He believed self-will is a more pervasive influence than even sin.

We sin when we decide (using our self-will) that we want to do something no matter what God thinks/says.

Self-will, therefore, is an attitude of the heart.

You can see how seriously OC views it when he says

“You must be willing to be placed on the altar and go through the fire; willing to experience what the altar represents— burning, purification, and separation for only one purpose— the elimination of every desire and affection not grounded in or directed toward God.”

I’m taking a deep breath reading this, how about you?

The first paragraph outlines what happens if we do not deal with our self-will, ending with the observation,

“If you don’t deal with God on the level of your will first, the result will be only to arouse sympathy for yourself,”

when we go through difficulties.

He warns, “see to it that you don’t wallow in self-pity once the fire begins.”

We’re dealing with the Creator of the Universe. He knows our hearts, minds, souls and bodies to the marrow, to the mitochondria. We can’t hide anything before Him.

He also knows our weaknesses and frailties. It seems to me, we’re asked to be honest and open to where Jesus leads.

Still, this is a sobering message. What do you think?

What the point?

I started writing the Utmost Responses to spark discussion with others.

It’s turned into an excellent spiritual exercise for me.

If you’re interested in Oswald Chambers, why not join me every morning?

I’d love to hear what other people think about these readings that have changed my life over the last 20 years.

Tweetables

What is an Utmost Response and where can I join the conversation? Click to Tweet

Is anyone discussing the daily reading from My Utmost for His Highest? Yes. Click to Tweet

A daily examination of My Utmost for His Highest–on Facebook. Click to Tweet

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