Morning and Evening with A.W. Tozer Devotional for January 6

Tozer in the Morning
Those Sanctifying Effects of Suffering

Instant Christianity tends to make the faith act terminal and so smothers the desire for spiritual advance. It fails to understand the true nature of the Christian life, which is not static but dynamic and expanding. It overlooks the fact that a new Christian is a living organism as certainly as a new baby is, and must have nourishment and exercise to assure normal growth. It does not consider that the act of faith in Christ sets up a personal relationship between two intelligent moral beings, God and the reconciled man, and no single encounter between God and a creature made in His image could ever be sufficient to establish an intimate friendship between them. By trying to pack all of salvation into one experience, or two, the advocates of instant Christianity flaunt the law of development which runs through all nature. They ignore the sanctifying effects of suffering, cross carrying and practical obedience. They pass by the need for spiritual training, the necessity of forming right religious habits, and the need to wrestle against the world, the devil and the flesh. Undue preoccupation with the initial act of believing has created in some a psychology of contentment, or at least of non-expectation. To many it has imparted a mood of disappointment with the Christian faith. God seems too far away, the world is too near, and the flesh too powerful to resist. Others are glad to accept the assurance of automatic blessedness. It relieves them of the need to watch and fight and pray, and sets them free to enjoy this world while waiting for the next. Instant Christianity is twentieth century orthodoxy. I wonder whether the man who wrote Philippians 3:7-16 would recognize it as the faith for which he finally died. I am afraid he would not.

 

Tozer in the Evening
SPIRITUAL UNANIMITY

The Holy Spirit knew what He was doing when He moved the Apostle Peter to write to the early Christian church about the reality of being "of one mind" in their fellowship. Peter was not asking all the brothers and sisters to settle for some kind of regulated uniformity. He was recommending a spiritual unanimity-which means that the Spirit of God making Christ real within our beings will also give us a unity in certain qualities and disposition. Peter leaves little doubt about the fruits of genuine Christian unanimity within: "Be alike in compassion. Be alike in loving. Be alike in pity. Be alike in courtesy. Be alike in forgiving!" Then he sums it all up: "Finally, be ye all of one mind!" God's love shed abroad in our heart compassion and love which can only be found in Jesus Christ-these are the only elements of true unity among men and women today!

 

 

Also Explore

Not by Might: The Call to Lead Through the Holy Spirit and God’s Word

In Christian leadership, the temptation to depend on human strength is constant. Leaders may trust their education, experience, or strategies to carry out the work of ministry. But Scripture gives a clear reminder: the building of God's Kingdom is not a human achievement. As Zechariah 4:6 declares, "Not by might nor by

God’s Gift and Our Response: The Cycle of Grace, Gratitude, and Worship

The Christian faith is marked by a unique and profound rhythm: grace, gratitude, and praise. At the core of this faith lies the unmerited favor of God, a gift so freely given that it defies human understanding. Scripture declares, "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" (John 1:16, ESV). This

Called to Make Disciples in All Nations

In His Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples-not simply to inspire a single moment of conversion but to lead others into a committed, lifelong walk with Him. As Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul wisely reminds us, "Jesus' lordship encompasses all of life."

The Power Within: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Work

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves eagerly seeking to fulfill the Great Commission, to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, just as Jesus commanded his disciples. However, in our fervor to carry out this mission, let us not overlook a crucial commandment given by our Lord Himself.

Events
  • 01
    Aug
    Olivet Teen Mission Summer Camp 2025

    The OTM Summer Camp 2025 is a special gathering for teens to grow in faith and leadership. Through Bible studies, prayer, fellowship, and fun activities, teens will deepen their relationship with God, build meaningful friendships, and be equipped as future spiritual leaders in their churches and communities.

  • 11
    Jul
    Europe Olivet Leadership Institute Q3

    The Europe Olivet Leadership Institute (OLI) Q3 is a regional leadership training program designed to equip current and future leaders for ministry and mission. Held at Pilgrim Hall in the UK, the training focuses on deepening understanding of core Christian doctrines, strengthening spiritual leadership skills, and fostering unity in the body of Christ.

  • 08
    Jun
    Pentecost Sunday 2025: Empowered for Mission

    On June 8, 2025, World Olivet Assembly churches will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through worship, prayer, and reflection on Acts 2, believers will renew their commitment to the Great Commission, empowered to spread the gospel with boldness and faith.

Resources ⟶

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

Also Explore
About world olivet

World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global gathering of evangelical churches and para-church organizations existing for the advancement of world mission.

resources

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

COPYRIGHT © 2007-2025 WORLD OLIVET ASSEMBLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.