For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word (Vol. 1) Volume 1

I have read devotionals before but this is the cream of the crop. Dr. Carson points out, "The rising biblical illiteracy in Western culture means that the Bible is increasingly a closed book, even to many Christians (p. 11)." The purpose of this devotional is to get people back to reading the Bible. Carson does this by modifying Robert Murracy M'Cheyne's system of reading the Bible. Carson has four sections to be read for the day of the devotion. Usually these sections are one chapter in length. The first two in italics are for family reading. The devotion of the day comes from one of the family's readings. The other two chapters are for private reading. If a person reads all four chapters including the devotion, he or she will read, "The New Testament and Psalms twice and the rest of the Bible once in a year. Dr. Carson's comments on one of the chapters in italics enlightens the reader on the biblical content of the passage with application for the reader. My wife and I found this service of Dr. Carson invaluable. This is only surpassed by the humbleness of Dr. Carson himself who writes in the introduction, "If you must skip something, skip this book; read the Bible instead (p. 13)." Dr. Carson in his many books as well as being the research professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinty School, wants nothing more than to bring others closer to God, His Word (the Bible), and His living Word, Jesus Christ. This devotional more than accomplishes that feat.

Other 'devotionals' suffer from being guided by the author in 'what they thought' and can get 'mushy'. Carson keeps our focus in and upon the text of the bible passage for the day, and allows the context of the passage to speak first, then allowing the reader to draw conclusions for application today. I can't wait to get to it everyday - not because it is 'Don Carson', but because it is the Bible, and Don is a great servant in helping me do that. Brilliant.

I have been using this devotional for about 5 months now and I have missed very few days! It is an incredible work indeed. Carson is a master at showing how the entire Bible fits together. The Lord will bless you greatly as Carson, along with the Spirit, open your eyes to eternal truth!

I have been using Carson's book for my devotional material since February and have appreciated the author's mastery of the biblical text as well as his challenging applications for the Christian life. For the Love of God offers a refreshing change from the endless stream of superficial, biblically-barren devotional literature available on the market today.

As stated on the dust jacket, this book will "open the Bible to anyone who wants to understand Scriptue in its text and the larger framework of God's kingdom," "know the God of the Bible," and "discover how He works in the world and the lives of those who love Him." To understand the Bible and know the God of the Bible requires regular and extensive reading of the Bible; and a little expert help to keep the general picture in view and navigate the more difficult places is a great advantage. D. A. Carson, of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, has supplied us with a great tool for growth in Biblical knowledge in his guide for daily reading entitled "For the Love of God." The guide employs the daily reading schedule developed by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843), which divides the scriptures into four reading portions per day (two for family worship, two for private reading, morning and evening). By following M'Cheyne's schedule the reader will have completed the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in one year. For each day, Carson has provided a brief, clear, and sound exposition of one or more of the readings. Tremendously helpful.