Ruth Chesney, Climb: A One-Year Devotional for Teens and Young Adults (Kilmarnock, Scotland: John Ritchie Ltd., 2020), 210 pp.
Reviewed by David Hanley
The so-called “Daily Devotional” has a place on every believer’s bookshelf. As the writer of this review looks at his own bookshelf, he realizes how many he has himself. The purpose of this book is to give daily, brief, easy-to-read, biblically based messages to strengthen the younger believer.
This book isn’t alone in the teen daily devotional space, and the substance and usefulness of these books vary greatly. Having read through this book daily for several months, the reviewer is happy to commend both its substance and usefulness. The daily readings range widely from gospel-oriented themes, to creation, to Christian conduct and character, to the exaltation of Christ. The conversion story of Hudson Taylor is featured in one day’s devotion, and in another there is a reminder from Hebrews 13:15 that God is worthy to receive praise continually.
The reviewer has encouraged this book to his own young family and has recommended this devotional to other families with teen children as well. It must be emphasized, as the author does in her introduction, that this type of book should not replace the daily reading and study of the Bible. The lessons taught will undoubtedly help build a firm foundation for young Christians, and will also help habituate the readers to the vital practice of daily reading. The book is available for purchase at ritchiechristianmedia.co.uk, johnritchie.christianbook.com and gospelfolio.com.
