My Daily Pursuit: Devotions for Every Day

by A.W. Tozer, Ravi Zacharias (Foreword), James L. Snyder (Editor)

Daily Wisdom and Inspiration for Your Pursuit of GodOne of the 20th century's most inspiring writers has become a powerful voice for 21st-century Christians. Thanks to a treasure trove of never-before-published teachings from A.W. Tozer, author of the spiritual classic The Pursuit of God, you can spend an entire year strengthening your daily walk with God. Each devotion includes a passage of Scripture, a short reading from Tozer, a hymn verse, and a prayer.For 365 days, let this great man of faith challenge your heart and mind to truer worship, greater faith, deeper prayer, and more passion for Christ. My Daily Pursuit is an invitation to spend a few minutes every day in the presence of Jesus, guided by one of His most trustworthy servants.Let A.W. Tozer guide you in your pursuit of God.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Nonfiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

Reviews

[LILIYA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each page contains 3 sources: A verse as the heading. material from Tozer’s sermons and writings, and a hymn. Tozer’s continual focus on who God is and His attributes is his signature. This focus also reoriented my perspective many days when reading this devotional. I think it would be helpful to have an index of passages to refer to- I enjoy this feature in other devotionals so scriptural references can be located. This is one of my favorite devotionals I have read from a list of dozens.

[C.G.Koens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daily Pursuit is an outstanding addition to any daily quiet time - to be read in addition to the Bible, not in place of. Short, poignant, thought-provoking: A.W. Tozer doesn't pull any punches. I especially loved the inclusion of a hymn verse at the bottom of each day, and would often find myself singing or humming it. Tozer had a healthy focus on worship, and what that means vs. what the church today has made it. I may have finished reading the whole book, but I'm far from done with it.

[Betsy Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in 2014 and read it on and off through the year. This year I am finding myself more drawn into the daily rhythm of Tozer's thinking and mentorship. Because really, if we read this and allow his perspectives to impact our lives, we will be more like Christ in our thinking and better able to speak of our Father in Heaven.

I love the paperback edition. The paper is heavy, there is some space for notes and written comments. I also have the e-book from Amazon and love that too though there is SOMETHING about having the physical book in hand.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always inspiring, always convicting, always pointing the reader or the listener to God. AW Tozer lived his life pursuing God with all he had. His faithful and persistent pursuit of truth led him to preach and write of the mysteries of God. I am amazed at the prophetic words this man spoke and wrote over 50 years ago. Still today they resonate within the hearts of believers, and they cause the Christian to hunger after God in new ways. His message of 50 years ago still applies today - proving that God's Word is a living Word and surpasses the standards of time. If you are looking for something fresh for the new year. IF you are looking for a devotional that will challenge and inspire you - one that will push you to the edge and beyond of your comfort zone - one that will cause you to seek the presence and person of God himself then this is the one for you. As I scanned the entire book and set down to study what I could before this review was to go out I was amazed. Tozer is an author that speaks to a Christians heart. I have often read his works and imagined what it must have been like to sit in his church and hear these words echo off the walls of that sanctuary. To see the people begin to move in the pews and to feel the Holy Spirit press down and move people to action. Yes, Tozer is that type of man. A student of the Word who pursued God with a passion that would be intoxicating to be around. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this devotional and be changed - to experience God in a new and wonderful way. Thanks to Regal for this review copy.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I learned there was a Tozer devotional compilation! A.W. Tozer is one of my favorite Christian living writers, so I knew right away that this needed to be added to my collection.

I really love the brief snippets that have been chosen for daily readings. They're short, but they pack the punch Tozer was known for. There's plenty to chew on and challenge your spirit.

On each page there is a Scripture, thoughts from Tozer, a few lines from a hymn (some I recognize and some I don't), and a closing prayer. It's a great format, and the size of the book is not overwhelming. This is a great addition to anyone's personal devotional time, and one I will continue to treasure it for its wisdom and the way it lifts my heart to the Lord.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Danielw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself kinda disappointed with this devotional. It just didnt 'hit me' like when I read a normal book of Tozers. Maybe his style is not suited to devotionals. Dont get me wrong, there is good stuff in here. Just not anywhere near his classic books. Also many of the devotionals felt repeated. Maybe its just me and Im hard to please. Not horrible by any stretch.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were taken from Tozer's audio sermons, and sometimes I felt like the thoughts were incomplete or unclear (whether it was the section they chose to publish or the way he said it in the moment). There were some days I really enjoyed and I do love the idea of scripture, thoughts, hymn, and prayer. I will probably just read his own works from now on.

[Aaron Loy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the "meatiest" year-long devotionals you'll find on the market. Each day has Scripture, a passage from Tozer's books or sermons, song lyrics/poetry, and a suggested prayer. His devotionals are wide-ranging in topic and challenge the Church's status quo.

[Roxanne]

Enjoyed reading this each evening to close the day in 2014! Always love Tozer devotionals.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Devotional!

Tozer has always been one of my favourite authors. Simple and to the point. I highly recommend this book. Hopefully there will be another compilation in the future.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good devotional, thought-provoking and challenging. I would consider it to be good reading for professing Christians.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year long devotional edited from Tozer's audio sermons by James Snyder a pastor in Ocala. Great insights from a man of God. Worth a few minutes everyday for a year.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daily Pursuit is a new complied version containing the teaching of A.W. Tozer. He begins by sharing how Tozer was a key speaker in a Bible conference and he never showed up and someone else had to lead the service. When they finally found, Tozer he was on his knees in the presence of God. This was the most important thing for Tozer pursuing God. A big part of the devotions discussed worshiping God daily. There are many things that will try and compete for our attention and some we will chose to worship instead of God. He explained how our hearts need to be turned toward God. He revealed how sin is the biggest thing that hinders us. He explained how we are all born to worship Him and His holiness. He shared how if people burned the church down that this wouldn’t stop our worshiping God and we need to carry the sanctuary to where ever we are. This reminded me of COVID-19 times and how the churches still met using online services. This pandemic couldn’t stop our worship and connecting with our Creator. This devotional will assist you in your daily pursuit of God and His ways. Each devotional had a verse, a teaching, a hymn verse, and a prayer.


I would recommend this awesome devotional to anyone who enjoys the teachings of Tozer. This book is an updated edited and complied version on a classic. This book will help readers into learning how to worship God will their whole hearts and to not get distracted by things that don’t matter. I liked how he encouraged readers to return home back to Christ if they have drifted away and how God still remembers them. I liked how he explained grace and forgiveness and how critical repentance is. Throughout the book, he describes how we can actively pursue God and if we will listen to his teachings, they will assist us in our walk with God.



"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will be honest, I did not finish this book. I wanted to stop by February but pushed myself to June’s reading but still just didn’t like it and I just didn’t want to read it anymore. I thought a couple days had some interesting things but like another reviewer said it doesn’t work well a devotional format. (The days reading are taken from audio sermons) I really felt like he “talked down” like we just aren’t getting it. And maybe the introduction that tells he spent 8 hours a day riding a train and praying and reading his bible makes him appealing to some but that doesn’t make him anything to me (not trying to be offensive, but that doesn’t mean he is the greatest preacher ever). Also, in the introduction it tells of a time that he was supposed to be the keynote speaker...the main speaker... at a meeting and didn’t bother to show up because, “he had a more important appointment last night” which was spending that time with God. That isn’t showing the love of Christ.. that seems pompous. And I don’t know but if you spend 8 hours a day regularly and can’t take the time to help or encourage people (that is the job of a preacher, right???) that have spent the time to come hear you, you don’t have my respect. I felt he was arrogant and prideful more than anything.
The whole point of this book to me was, “It’s God and you should do and be better and it’s all your fault you aren’t spending enough time or seeing Him”; which may be true enough but I would rather do anything than read this mans devotional. So, spending time reading any passage in my bible is a much better idea than reading this book.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read some of Tozer’s other work which is why I was excited to see this devotional. After reading two months of daily entries I am giving up. Almost every single day annoyed me. There is an underlying attitude of criticism verging on condescension that I just couldn’t take any more. It’s not that his theology is off. He may be right that people don’t know how to worship (but he does), that the church has lost its vision of the true God (but he hasn’t), but I guess I need to hear it from a more humble voice.

[Ethel Kuney · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best daily devotional I have ever used. Tozer's theology is one that can be trusted. His devotional Almighty God is excellent also.

One of the best daily devotional I have ever used. Tozer's theology is one that can be trusted. His devotional Almighty God is excellent also.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent devotional, gleaned from talks given by Tozer. Not like his books made for reading. Selections are short, perfect for daily use, with a Scripture verse, verse from an old hymn, and closing prayer. I'm not big on devotionals, but I really enjoyed reading this one over the course of the past year.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didn’t enjoy this devotional. since they are passages of his sermons a lot of times they seemed disjointed and lacking context. some things just didn’t make sense because it was only a portion of the content. they were also loosely grouped together by topic but some of them were so similar it was like reading the same thing multiple days in a row.

[Dorothy A Conerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Peace

This devotional is great. Everyday the lesson taught me and guided me. God’s love is powerful and always there. I start the new year at peace knowing God will never abandon us.

[Dr. Steve Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017

I finished this wonderful book in2017, and recommend it. I will read it again in 2018. He reveals God’s attributes in an easily understandable way.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great classic daily read. This 365 daily dose of spiritual food will challenge and grow you. It will encourage and strengthen you. It is classic Tozer and if you are a fan, you will like this book.

[Jessie Mattis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a refreshing devotional. Tozer is such an encouragement to live a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled life, each and every day. This book packs a much greater punch than the average devotional.

[Diane Warden · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE & DISCIPLINE

Some authors only want to encourage you, others only "get after you". Tozer, does both, love AND discipline. The secret to a good, happy, and balanced life!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually the devotion was very short and thus quite direct.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Olatomi Afilaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed those devotional throughout the year

[Conny Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The one goal of this devotional is to stir up in the hearts of serious-minded Christians such a passion for God,” James L. Snyder writes in the introduction of A.W. Tozer’s book, My Daily Pursuit: Devotions for Every Day.

~ What ~
At three-hundred-and-eighty-four pages, this small hardbound is designed to promote pursuing God daily throughout the year. Using only the King James Version of The Holy Bible, the beginning has an introduction followed by three-hundred-and-sixty-five devotions.

Each day’s writing is one page and begins with the date and one or more written out Bible verses. There are several short paragraphs about the topic and how they apply to everyday living. All contain four to six lines from a quoted hymn and its author plus a short prayer.

Some of the readings involve Exodus, Deuteronomy, I Samuel, Job, Psalm, Proverbs, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Luke, Mark, Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, I John, and others. Some of the hymnists include Bathurst, Cowper, Crosby, Faber, Grant, Smith, Thompson, Watts, and Wesley.

~Why ~
I love devotionals that do not have commentary of the writer’s personal experiences and appreciate that this one rarely mentions himself. Able to read each in a few minutes, the devotions are short and to the point. I appreciate the hymns are added with the authors’ birth and death years noted. The prayers are tender and helpful.

One I enjoyed was August 15th with Job 38: 4 and 7 written out about the morning stars singing together to God. The commentary reminds us to not look at God gloomily and stop thinking like a mechanic or technician. We should be in awe of the Creator and all He has made. The hymn is “This is My Father’s World” by Babcock. The prayer is about focusing on the tokens of God’s will and pleasure.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not appreciate this read. Some may not realize that Tozer is a Calvinist who believes in Lordship salvation and various forms of mysticism that are contrary to the Word of God. Others may find the writings dated and hard to follow.

~ Wish ~
While I love the idea of pursuing God every day, I wish the readings did not suggest that one must have moral reformation to later receive spiritual regeneration and become a child of Christ, whereas John 20:31 states “… that believing ye might have life through His name.” It would be helpful if each day had a titled theme and the ending had an index of Bible verses and hymnists used. Adding a ribbon marker would be ideal.

~ Want ~
If you like a famous writer’s works about pursuing Christ with the caveat that you must completely change before you choose Him, this may work for you, but please be aware it teaches there must be an “intent to reform” in order to receive the Lord’s free gift of eternal life. Due to its limitedness, it should be read daily along with the Bible.

Thanks to Bethany House for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

[Claire]

Every time I have the opportunity to read the writings of A. W. Tozer I eagerly take it. This devotional compiled by James Snyder entitled My Daily Pursuit is no exception to my excellent opinion of A. W. Tozer's writing. I gravitate towards daily devotionals, as I have probably mentioned ad nauseum, so this work by one of my all time favorite authors is like a belated Christmas present.  My Daily Pursuit begins with an introduction from the compiler and editor, James L. Snyder. I thought that this brief and powerful introduction by Mr. Snyder was a great illustration of the overarching theme of this devotional by Tozer: pursuing God on a daily basis. The inspiring nature of Tozer is captured by James L. Snyder's introduction of Tozer himself in an anecdote about Tozer's skipping a Bible conference where he was a keynote speaker in order to spend more time with God saying, "I had a more important appointment last night" (Tozer 7). Tozer seemed to be a passionate and yet humble man, choosing to do what he thought was right over what was expected by others. Tozer devoted his time in prayer, meditation, singing hymns, and living a life of passionate praise to God. The purpose and passion of this devotional according to James Snyder is, "to stir up in the hearts of serious-minded Christians such a passion for God. My prayer is that Tozer will inspire you in your daily pursuit" (Tozer 8). My favorite aspect of Tozer's writing overall is his passion and zeal in his faith. There are many authors who express their passion for their faith, but I personally think that Tozer expresses his zeal the most eloquently and yet most easily understood by the reader. I appreciate Tozer's succinct and yet deeply thought out writings as well as his knack for excellent descriptiveness in his writings. I enjoyed this devotional for all of the previously mentioned reasons as well as for the conversational tone of Tozer's writings in this devotional particularly. In each devotional, Tozer brings his reader's attention to a characteristic of God, actions of God in the past, or events from the old or new testaments with a fresh perspective and great zeal. I appreciated the well-written devotionals and the fresh perspectives brought from My Daily Pursuit. I appreciate how this devotional is a daily reminder of the important things in life and what every person's focus in life should be: pursuing God wholeheartedly. I highly recommend this devotional and hope you have the opportunity to read this book and grow from Tozer's wisdom and love. Happy readings!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review 
Reference: Tozer, A. W., My daily pursuit: Devotions for every day. Bethany House, 2022

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reviewing this new devotional, My Daily Pursuit – Devotions for Every Day, by A.W. Tozer – compiled by James L. Snyder! This is one of those devotionals I will highly recommend, it is biblically sound, provides a daily scripture to read, along with quotes from well-known theologians, hymn verse, along with a short devotion that is from A.W. Tozer sermons, who is always one I recommend and enjoy reading from. He always provides deep, thoughtful, and to the point messages about God’s Word.

Why read this book and what we can learn from A.W. Tozer through this book, is that the worship of God was the highest calling of Tozer’s life. He took time to leave the world behind, when he needed to be alone with God. Pursuing God was not a matter of convenience for Tozer, but rather a matter of passion. The devotions in this book are from audio sermons of Tozer and his daily pursuit.

Here are a few quotes from the book:

Whatever interferes with one’s personal worship of God needs to be properly dealt with and dismissed.

God’s justice is never in conflict with His righteousness.

Though, O’God, art bigger than my mind could ever comprehend. The beauty of Thy wondrous fullness fills my heart with gratitude that is all but inexpressible.

The more we get to know the promises of God; the more we begin to understand who God really is.

God’s way is the best way, because it is backed up by the infinite wisdom of God.

[Valerie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Daily Pursuit by A.W. Tozer includes devotions for 365 days that will challenge your heart and mind to grow closer to God. Tozer was a self-taught theologian (I love that he taught himself) who lived from (1897-to 1963) and whose words continue to challenge and inspire us to greater faith.

Each day begins with a bible verse and includes a short teaching, a hymn, and a prayer. 

I loved how my daily readings tied right in with what I've been writing about and studying lately. Tozer always points readers towards having correct concepts of God and encourages them to grow in their knowledge of God.

"The only way we can have restored confidence in God is to have a restored knowledge of God. We need to get to know God, the God who has revealed Himself in the Word of God."

"Faith, trust, and hope are an automatic thing. If we have put our faith and hope and trust in the character of God, it will come naturally. It will flow as naturally as the stream down the mountain. When we know what God is like, that knowledge gets expressed in faith and trust and hope."

This is a well-made hardbound cover. As always I highly recommend anything written by Tozer.

I received a free copy of this book from BethanyHouse in exchange for my honest review.