“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.
