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A Heart Ablaze
God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage to captivate them for Himself. In the arid wilderness He planned to reveal His nature and ways to them, but they drew back. How different are we today? Many confess the Lordship of Jesus and acknowledge His saving power, yet like Israel, they've drawn back. Rather than pursuing His heart they have cleaved to this world's form of worship-the worship of self. As a result we have changed the image of Jesus to be like us. Fire can alter these images. The fire we need is found in the Holiness of God. God is calling us to draw nearer still…to tremble on Mt. Zion…transformed to touch others.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 1999
95 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
John Bevere
155 books919 followersMarked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 24, 2013
A book that doesn't make you happy when you read it, which is why I give it 4 stars. But a book that must be read by anyone who claims to be Christian.. Sobering and powerful message about what it means to lay down everything for Christ, to be consumed by His refining fire.
November 25, 2017
This was a book that really got to me. I felt the Holy Spirit touch my heart early on when I started to read, and I knew that I would get so much out of this book.
The message and teaching here is that the most important thing in having a passion for God is to desire a close and intimate relationship with him. It's about desiring him more than anything else that we could possibly have or want to have in this world. It also comes down to that God himself is what should be most important to us. Not what believing in his promises could get us in terms of, for example, healing and different kinds of blessings.
It's also a strong and brutally honest message. I especially felt that I got something new in reading about how intent and desire are not the same thing. You can intend to follow God and his ways all you want, but the true desire of your heart will always shine through. If we, perhaps, desire to be liked by the world we can interpret God's word so that it fits us and what we want and think. We can thus appear Christian and to love God, but still desire the worldly lifestyle all the more.
In many ways this was a tough book to read. I know that I still have a long way to go when it comes to not desire anything in the world, and I need the grace of God to let worldly pleasures fade away so that all I care about is seeing him as he is in his glory. Reading I at times felt that I've been punched in the gut, figuratively speaking. In a good way. This book does not appeal to the flesh, I can tell you that much. But it does give me a greater longing to know God more intimately.
The message and teaching here is that the most important thing in having a passion for God is to desire a close and intimate relationship with him. It's about desiring him more than anything else that we could possibly have or want to have in this world. It also comes down to that God himself is what should be most important to us. Not what believing in his promises could get us in terms of, for example, healing and different kinds of blessings.
It's also a strong and brutally honest message. I especially felt that I got something new in reading about how intent and desire are not the same thing. You can intend to follow God and his ways all you want, but the true desire of your heart will always shine through. If we, perhaps, desire to be liked by the world we can interpret God's word so that it fits us and what we want and think. We can thus appear Christian and to love God, but still desire the worldly lifestyle all the more.
If we still desire a worldly lifestyle, which is against the flow of God's authority, we can have it by subconsciously serving "our Jesus", whose will is in accordance with our own desires. Without realizing it we have a manageable deity! It is a subtle deception, not a blatant lie.
In many ways this was a tough book to read. I know that I still have a long way to go when it comes to not desire anything in the world, and I need the grace of God to let worldly pleasures fade away so that all I care about is seeing him as he is in his glory. Reading I at times felt that I've been punched in the gut, figuratively speaking. In a good way. This book does not appeal to the flesh, I can tell you that much. But it does give me a greater longing to know God more intimately.
October 13, 2025
O livro é uma bela reunião de passagens bíblicas que falam sobre como viver um relacionamento real e profundo com Deus, aquele tipo que acende chamas no coração e transforma o jeito de enxergar a fé. Não é sobre momentos rápidos de devoção, mas sobre uma conexão genuína e constante com o Senhor.
O autor faz uma boa mediação entre os textos bíblicos e histórias marcantes que ajudam a entender o tema de forma mais viva. Porém, pra mim, alguns capítulos acabaram soando repetitivos e, em certos trechos, achei a visão do pastor um pouco radical, especialmente em pontos que divergem do modo como eu entendo a caminhada com Cristo.
Mesmo assim, foi uma leitura enriquecedora, com mensagens fortes e reflexões que valem a pena. No geral, recomendo sim, especialmente pra quem busca se aproximar mais de Deus e fortalecer sua fé.
O autor faz uma boa mediação entre os textos bíblicos e histórias marcantes que ajudam a entender o tema de forma mais viva. Porém, pra mim, alguns capítulos acabaram soando repetitivos e, em certos trechos, achei a visão do pastor um pouco radical, especialmente em pontos que divergem do modo como eu entendo a caminhada com Cristo.
Mesmo assim, foi uma leitura enriquecedora, com mensagens fortes e reflexões que valem a pena. No geral, recomendo sim, especialmente pra quem busca se aproximar mais de Deus e fortalecer sua fé.
December 28, 2025
Denne boken husker jeg at jeg begynte å lese i for mange, mange år siden, i min ungdomstid, men fikk aldri fullført den. Jeg husker det var mye godt å lese i den, så derfor tok jeg denne opp igjen for å få lest hele. Det er mye rart i de karismatiske kretser, men John Bevere synes jeg har mye bra å komme med. Han har et solid fokus på helliggjørelse og Gudsfrykt som essensielle faktorer i et kristenliv. Dette får han også fram i "Et hjerte i brann". Han drar fine paralleller mellom Israelsfolket og oss som kristenfolk, at vi skal være som Moses som gikk inn i Guds nærvær, ikke nøye oss med å stå ved foten av fjellet. Guds nærvær vil forvandle oss, foten av fjellet gjør at vi holder en mer religiøs kappe. Selvom noen vers her og der er tatt ut av litt sammenheng så synes jeg dette er en inspirerende og god bok rundt et viktig tema.
March 29, 2022
This book is an inspiration to the Christian to be closer to God. To the refiner of our souls. Not only to be purified by the presence of God but to seek him out - to truly and totally be His.
In this way this book is an inspiration to the God seeking Christian, but that is not to say it doesn't have hard truths. The book helps us to put our feelings and convictions into words.
There are so many truths conveyed in this book, you simply have to read it continually to capture everything.
The lines that stuck with me most is how the author emphasized on how one's inner understanding of God reflects or manifests outwardly and how faith without works is dead.
In this way this book is an inspiration to the God seeking Christian, but that is not to say it doesn't have hard truths. The book helps us to put our feelings and convictions into words.
There are so many truths conveyed in this book, you simply have to read it continually to capture everything.
The lines that stuck with me most is how the author emphasized on how one's inner understanding of God reflects or manifests outwardly and how faith without works is dead.
November 29, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this, although at times I felt as though it was a little legalistic. However, it gives me cause to question whether it actually IS legalistic or if it's an issue on my end that I need to work on. Aside from that, I found this book inspiring, challenging, and it very often reminded me of the greatness of God, and from various perspectives. Highly recommended and would love to hear others thoughts on it as well.
October 16, 2017
Wow...just...WOW!!!
Truly this man was led by the Lord Himself to convey such a wonderful message! Will it convict you? Yes. This is not one of those overly fluffy messages that have become popularized in our society, and that's an EXCELLENT thing. If you want to know more about going deeper into a relationship with God, you NEED this book!
Truly this man was led by the Lord Himself to convey such a wonderful message! Will it convict you? Yes. This is not one of those overly fluffy messages that have become popularized in our society, and that's an EXCELLENT thing. If you want to know more about going deeper into a relationship with God, you NEED this book!
May 26, 2025
This book looks about genuine hunger for God and not for what you would get from God. He explained the differences. There is a way this book speaks to me, and seeing the difference between knowing God Intimate and looking at his hand or what you want to get from him. Knowing God is important, and that can get to see him.
Thank you, John Bevere.
Thank you, John Bevere.
January 29, 2017
The core theme of the book is great. A holy fear and passion for God is good. Many in the Church are living shallow self serving lives if believers at all.
His exegesis leaves much to be desired.
His exegesis leaves much to be desired.
June 26, 2017
Highly recommend that every Christian read this book. It is not a fun read, but I feel it's something we all need to study. Please read this-it's such an eye opener.
August 9, 2017
Life changing book a must read for all hungering after more this is a keeper It will be going in my library!!!
December 13, 2018
Life changing!
This is a must read if you desire a more intimate walk with the Lord. May His presence will abide in you.
This is a must read if you desire a more intimate walk with the Lord. May His presence will abide in you.
December 28, 2020
This was the first book I read by John Bevere and I was hooked.
March 23, 2024
A awesome book about how to love God in all senses.
October 9, 2024
A must read if you truly want to follow the Lord with all your heart, mind and strength.
January 13, 2014
There were some really good things about this book. It is the first book by Mr. Bevere I have read, and was unfamiliar with him, though he has several published books and is evidently well known in some circles. What I did particularly like were the comparisons between Moses, the Children of Israel, and the contemporary church. I think he drew some very distinct and helpful observations in that, throughout the book. I liked that the book has a prophetic flavor, pinpointing the need for repentance from sin and a rejection of the 'easy grace' that so often pervades evangelicalism today. His emphasis on good works and taking responsibility for our actions and growth is excellent as well.
The things I dislike probably spring mostly from my own religious heritage. The first few chapters kind of put me off as they related the movement of the Lord to crying at religious services. It seems that the author believes that if people weep and run forward during a church service that the Spirit is really moving, otherwise not so much. He is deeper than that and surely isn't chained to that idea, but that is the first concept I got from the opening chapters of the book. Being an amillennialist, the premillinnial concepts did not appeal to me, but I do think that anyone could gain an encouragement to live in the shadow of the second coming (even if one does not agree with what that might entail). I also felt that the last three or four chapters (as is so often the case with many books) became repetitive or seemed like sermon notes tacked on to the book that loosely related to the overall theme.
I think that there were some concepts here that really blessed me. The idea that we continue to struggle with some sins because we LIKE them, and we need to give that up to the Lord .....helpful. Also I appreciated the desire and yearning for glory, and how it is easier to just see what we can get from God rather than dwell in the presence of his glory (which demands pursuit of holiness).
This is a good book for someone who wants to be reminded of the need to stay close to God, seek His glory, and grow more like Him. I was blessed by reading it. Preachers who are looking for sermon material will find plenty here as well.
The things I dislike probably spring mostly from my own religious heritage. The first few chapters kind of put me off as they related the movement of the Lord to crying at religious services. It seems that the author believes that if people weep and run forward during a church service that the Spirit is really moving, otherwise not so much. He is deeper than that and surely isn't chained to that idea, but that is the first concept I got from the opening chapters of the book. Being an amillennialist, the premillinnial concepts did not appeal to me, but I do think that anyone could gain an encouragement to live in the shadow of the second coming (even if one does not agree with what that might entail). I also felt that the last three or four chapters (as is so often the case with many books) became repetitive or seemed like sermon notes tacked on to the book that loosely related to the overall theme.
I think that there were some concepts here that really blessed me. The idea that we continue to struggle with some sins because we LIKE them, and we need to give that up to the Lord .....helpful. Also I appreciated the desire and yearning for glory, and how it is easier to just see what we can get from God rather than dwell in the presence of his glory (which demands pursuit of holiness).
This is a good book for someone who wants to be reminded of the need to stay close to God, seek His glory, and grow more like Him. I was blessed by reading it. Preachers who are looking for sermon material will find plenty here as well.
April 29, 2025
Powerful, convicting and full of truth—I highlighted nearly every page. This is a must-read for anyone craving a deeper, fire-filled faith.
October 27, 2014
I've always enjoyed studying into how much the modern church can behave like the Israelites in the Exodus. It seems that whenever a new author takes to it you seem to see a new and true aspect of the similarities that you hadn't seen before. That's the case again here with this book which focuses heavily on the sense that Moses desired the glory of God while the Israelites were more interested in the goods of God.
Deeply challenged, I enjoyed (not sure that's exactly the right word for it) the way some of the author's points struck me between the eyes. Every so often you need a book like this to challenge why the church can look so much like the world for you to realize that you personally may not be as innocent in that as you would've expected. And any book that serves to positively affect my relationship with Jesus gets points!
However, I do need to mention an issue I had with the premise of at least a full chapter of the book. Bevere takes a familiar passage of Scripture in Revelation and misinterprets it in the classic way it's often been misunderstood. The church of Laodicea is challenged to be hot or cold but not lukewarm. For having studied the city and its features (he later on says the city was known for salves used in healing the eyes), he neglected to understand the very basic information for this statement of God's. The church of Laodicea had hot water pumped in for its showers and cold water pumped in for its drinking. It didn't have a lot of locally prevalent water. So you'd either want cold, refreshing water or warm, soothing water, but not lukewarm. Bevere unfortunately goes for the common misinterpretation where God would rather you be sold-out for Him or sold-out against Him. A big clue that this isn't the correct understanding of these verses? There is no other place scripturally where God wishes that people were dead-set against Him. We've taken our modern understand of being "on fire" for something and interpreted backwards into these verses without regard to their actual first century understanding.
I suppose that's really my only main "beef" with the book. Otherwise it was a quality, heart-stirring read.
Deeply challenged, I enjoyed (not sure that's exactly the right word for it) the way some of the author's points struck me between the eyes. Every so often you need a book like this to challenge why the church can look so much like the world for you to realize that you personally may not be as innocent in that as you would've expected. And any book that serves to positively affect my relationship with Jesus gets points!
However, I do need to mention an issue I had with the premise of at least a full chapter of the book. Bevere takes a familiar passage of Scripture in Revelation and misinterprets it in the classic way it's often been misunderstood. The church of Laodicea is challenged to be hot or cold but not lukewarm. For having studied the city and its features (he later on says the city was known for salves used in healing the eyes), he neglected to understand the very basic information for this statement of God's. The church of Laodicea had hot water pumped in for its showers and cold water pumped in for its drinking. It didn't have a lot of locally prevalent water. So you'd either want cold, refreshing water or warm, soothing water, but not lukewarm. Bevere unfortunately goes for the common misinterpretation where God would rather you be sold-out for Him or sold-out against Him. A big clue that this isn't the correct understanding of these verses? There is no other place scripturally where God wishes that people were dead-set against Him. We've taken our modern understand of being "on fire" for something and interpreted backwards into these verses without regard to their actual first century understanding.
I suppose that's really my only main "beef" with the book. Otherwise it was a quality, heart-stirring read.
July 4, 2016
This book is challenging and very helpful. John Bevere challenges Christians, especially lukewarm Christians, to lift up their standards in their walk with Jesus. The main topics of the book are holiness and being on fire for God! It gives explanations of holiness, including examples from the Bible. It shows how the church has fallen short and mixed with the world. I really like the examples John Bevere gives and how deep he goes. Holiness involves obedience, humbleness and the fear of the Lord. I think I will read this book again and again.
Read
August 22, 2012A friend recently returned my copy of this book sparking an interest in rereading. Pleasantly surprised to see my handwrtten margin notes and prayers from the first read : Father God, my desire is to cast away all distractions that I may be sanctified and You be Glorified. Amen: 1/28/2008
Love anything by the Beveres
Love anything by the Beveres
July 8, 2015
An ALright book, kinda drug on towards the second half. Still was able to glean a couple of good ideas, overall very conservative in his beliefs. Interesting discussion about Aaron vs Moses and why one continued to become more powerful and the dwindled out. Also how the Israelites were affected by this.
Read
July 28, 2011This book is the most challenging book I've ever read. The chapter on intentions vs. desires really convicted me. John Bevere has a lot of wisdom and insight that today's church (especially in the U.S.) needs to hear.
January 11, 2012
I found this guy a bit full of himself - his writig style suggests that he's correct in everything he says, and that there is no room for discussion/debate. I also found his biblical exegesis lacking. I appreciate his passion, but had serious hesitations about his theology.
September 4, 2015
You want to be set alight with a new passion for God? For your job? For Life? if it was yes to any of these questions then this is the book for you. With over 4 New York Times best sellers John Bevere is perhaps the leading voice for this generation in the Christian book world.
January 7, 2008
Reading as a congregation. Incredible!
July 23, 2008
Awesome. Completely. It really mad me think and start changing some of my wrong attitudes. =)
November 16, 2008
This book was powerful and life changing. I'll never be the same again!
June 5, 2010
First book I read by John Bevere...great stuff!
July 7, 2010
This book is truly inspiring, and will rock you to the core of your Christianity. If you desire more than a lukewarm, boring Christian life, this is a must read!
March 21, 2011
Amazing!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews