Review: 365 Days with John Calvin

For 2011, I used Joel Beeke’s 365 Days with John Calvin for my evening devotional.  I can concur with the cover where it is noted that this is “a unique collection of 365 readings form the writings of John Calvin…”

I have found daily devotionals to be a great aid.  With a short Scripture, reflection/commentary, and application, they are and added boost to my times of reading Scripture and praying, because of the interaction with other Christians.

Beeke’s devotional uses the KJV text for the Scripture and the readings are divided into six sections:  January through May are selections from Calvin’s OT commentaries, June through September are from his NT commentaries, October’s reading are from his sermons on Ephesians, November 1-16 from his sermons on Timothy and Titus, November 17-30 from his sermons on II Samuel, and December from his sermons on Galatians.  Why?  He doesn’t say.  Certainly there is plenty of material to do additional, non-repetitive devotionals based on Calvin’s work. Perhaps they are in the works; they would be welcome.

Each day’s reading ends with Beeke’s “for meditation.”  He asks a couple of questions or makes a comment, and your mind and heart are off applying the totality of the reading to the day.

Calvin and Beeke are a great combination, and spending time at the feet of God in His Word is always worthwhile.