C.M.H. Koenig (a pen name) is an adult missionary kid (MK) and third culture kid (TCK) who grew up overseas and in the United States. Koenig's family had regular devotions since she was a child, and she was encouraged to continue the practice as she grew older. Koenig has read and re-read a number of devotionals and Bible reading plans over the last few decades. The selection and arrangement of these devotions were made with a crucial spiritual goal in mind. "Hawker, Spurgeon, and Winslow provide solid, tasty meat, a veritable feast I wish to share with others. They were abundantly gifted writers." Robert Hawker, a Royal Marine assistant surgeon, Anglican priest, and author, was born 1753 in Exeter, England. He was married aged 19 to Anna Rains, and they had eight children altogether. He was ordained as a minister in 1779. It was in the pulpit that "the Doctor" was best known and loved. Thousands flocked to hear the "Star of the West" preach when he was in London. An Evangelical, he preached the Bible and proclaimed the love of God. (Wikipedia: Robert Hawker 2020) Charles Haddon Spurgeon, an English Particular Baptist preacher and author, was born on 19 June 1834 in Kelvedon, Essex, England. He married Susannah Thompson in 1856 and had twin boys. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers." (Wikipedia: Charles Spurgeon 2020)
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 5 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 24:4Outward 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. D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
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