Dr Tozer uses a term which I think points to the difference between the believers of Christ and His followers. He calls it a “fellowship of the burning heart” and talks about having a burning fire within to deeply know God. This image makes me think of the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples of Christ after His Ascension to Heaven. More than just a casual knowing of who Jesus is, this talks about a consuming fire, a motivating desire to personally know Him deeper and deeper still, while also wanting to make Him known too. This is a follower of Christ and it is the difference between just having life and truly enjoying the life you have. When our heart burns to know God, increasingly enjoying life, naturally follows.
In his humility, Dr Tozer says that, “This book is a modest attempt to aid God’s hungry children so to find Him….but if my fire is not large it is yet real, and there may be those who can light their candle at its flame.” (p10) You see, our fire is not just for ourselves. We are to burn brightly for Jesus so that others may find a place where their own hearts can be lit up too. Where they may turn to the Holy Spirit who will fan their flame, so that they too will enter into this “fellowship of the burning hearts” and find the Abundant Life. When our hearts burn to know God and we enjoy this New Life He has given us, increasingly sharing this New Life in Christ, naturally follows. A burning heart causes us to know God and make Him known…and this is what we were created for!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
December: Emmanuel: “The Pursuit of God- The Human Thirst for the Divine” by AW Tozer
<>< Peace, Diane