Refreshment for the Soul, a year of daily readings from 'the heavenly doctor' Richard Sibbes

A pastor of forty years who has throughout his ministry found the Puritans to be a great source of spiritual encouragement, David MacKinnon presents here 366 extracts from the works of the Puritan pastor Richard Sibbes, which may be used each day of the year by readers as an aid to devotion. Each extract has been carefully selected, and a suitable accompanying Scripture text provided at the start of each daily reading. Occasional antiquated words in the original have been updated, and overly long sentences have been shortened, but all with a view to retain Sibbes’ flow and meaning for present-day readers. For those who have never encountered Sibbes before, this volume will serve as an excellent introduction. All will find in these daily readings spiritual refreshment for the soul, coming from one who in his day was known, appropriately, as the ‘heavenly doctor.’

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9781800403055

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Richard Sibbes was born at Tostock, Suffolk, in 1577. He was converted around 1602-3 through the powerful ministry of Paul Bayne, the successor of William Perkins in the pulpit of Great St Andrew's Church. After earning his B.D. in 1610, Sibbes was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. Later, through the influence of friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray's Inn, London, and he remained there until 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine's Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as the heavenly Doctor Sibbes . He continued to exercise his ministry at Gray's Inn, London, and Holy Trinity, Cambridge, until his death on 6 July 1635 at the age of 58. A leading Puritan, he influenced George Herbert, John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon. David B. MacKinnon was raised in Hopkins, Minnesota, earning his Masters of Divinity at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He ministered as a pastor for 40 years, serving three Converge (Baptist General Conference) churches in the Chicago, Illinois area, recently retiring from Westchester Evangelical Free Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Through the joys and challenges of Dave’s ministry the Puritan writers have been a great source of spiritual encouragement, spiritual exhortation, and Biblical understanding. Dave and his wife Linda have three children and four young grandsons. Along with reading and walking, Dave has found that retirement provides new opportunities to serve and minister to his family, church, and community.

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‘Where can we find rest for our souls throughout the year? Compiled and edited by David B. MacKinnon, Refreshment for the Soul provides a year of daily devotional readings from the ‘Heavenly Doctor’ Richard Sibbes. Each devotional reading includes a verse from the Bible and several paragraphs filling up 1-page per day. They are easy to read, yet go deep into the truths of God. Sibbes is incredible at bringing Scripture to life…He presents a God who is warm and welcoming, ready to work on giving life to your soul. I was most impressed by the theology included throughout the book. Sibbes speaks of the advantage we have with the help of the Holy Spirit, as well as Christ’s work of intercession. There is much to learn as Sibbes leads us to worship. I also appreciated the fact that the topics of several devotions continue over multiple days of reading. For instance, a 10-part series on spiritual discouragement allows Sibbes to speak of diagnosing it as well as present strong reasons against feeling spiritually discouraged. So while this is a devotional read, it can be quite thorough on certain subjects. A prime example of the Puritan writing style, this book seeks to showcase true spirituality. Doctrine and practice go hand in hand. Christ is the focus of a life shaped by Scripture. Come and drink from springs of living water.’ diveindigdeep