From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional

Kindle Edition
183
English
N/A
N/A
02 Jan

40-day Lent devotional from a beloved spiritual writer

As for the field, so for the soul: "The neglected heart will soon be overrun with worldly thoughts.” Careful cultivation yields a harvest, and the heart requires great attention. .

From the Grave, a 40-day Lent devotional, reflects on this critical spiritual dynamic. It features A. W. Tozer’s best insights on faith, repentance, suffering, and redemption. Gleaned from transcribed sermons, editorials, and published books, each moving reflection has been carefully selected for the season of Lent. It addresses themes like:

  • Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection
  • Mortification of the flesh
  • Self-denial and cross-bearing
  • New life in Christ
  • Christian obedience and resurrection hope

Each day features a brief portion of Scripture for meditation followed by a reflection from Tozer. Together the entries take you on a journey from the garden to the grave to light of day—the “pain-wracked path” to life.

Reviews (45)

This Devotional will make you think!

Tozer hits you in the nose with his insightful writing. Jesus in His full humanity suffered everything we suffer, felt every pain, every high, every low, and dealt with every temptation we have ever experienced. He carried His and our cross. Today as His disciples, He commands us to to pick up our cross, which doesn't come close to His and follow, but we don't, won't because we want the blessings and rosie, easy life. If we truly believe and truly walk as disciples in the masters footsteps we are going to suffer, but nothing comparable to what our Savior did. If we are truly Christians, we should and need to pick up our cross and walk in the Master's footsteps without complaining and whining. Tozer shows us what it is to be a true disciple and walk in Jesus footprint by picking up our cross and living as the Master commands.

Tozer is always potent

Tozer seems to never be less than excellent, even when he isn’t electric he is valuable. This Lent devotional is no different. There are moments when I had to stop reading the daily entry to ponder, and pray - which is consistent with my experience of his work. But even when the moments weren’t as shockingly profound, there wasn’t a day that wasn’t valuable. Every entry was worth more than the time it took to read. Recommended as a companion through Lent, or any 40 day refocus on the work of Jesus and the cost/expectation of Christianity.

Powerful and Challenging Devotion

This proved to be one of the most spiritually rewarding devotionals I have used, and I’ve used dozens over the past 20 years. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is truly seeking to deepen their walk with Christ, challenge their notions of what it means to daily confess and follow Jesus, and also to set aside shallow discipleship. Tozer, as always delivers. You don’t have to wait until Lent to be blessed by this compilation.

Just ok

I read this for lent. If I hadn't committed to reading it for 40 days I would not have finished. I have read Tozer before and enjoy what he has to say but this one didn't keep my interest.There were good portions, just not every day.

Tozer at his finest! All devotionals are for Lent

Tozer at his finest! All devotionals are for Lent. I would have personally preferred shorter devotionals but a great book for Lent or any time of the year.

Another great Tozer collection!

A great man of God, Tozer continues to remind us of the powerful Christ we serve. I will continue to use this as a Lent devotional every year.

Great

Looking forward to this!

Nice

Nice

Wonderful Lenten study

Good book to guide spiritual reading during Lent

Amazing!

This has so hit the spot for my husband and I. We are loving this devotional!

This Devotional will make you think!

Tozer hits you in the nose with his insightful writing. Jesus in His full humanity suffered everything we suffer, felt every pain, every high, every low, and dealt with every temptation we have ever experienced. He carried His and our cross. Today as His disciples, He commands us to to pick up our cross, which doesn't come close to His and follow, but we don't, won't because we want the blessings and rosie, easy life. If we truly believe and truly walk as disciples in the masters footsteps we are going to suffer, but nothing comparable to what our Savior did. If we are truly Christians, we should and need to pick up our cross and walk in the Master's footsteps without complaining and whining. Tozer shows us what it is to be a true disciple and walk in Jesus footprint by picking up our cross and living as the Master commands.

Tozer is always potent

Tozer seems to never be less than excellent, even when he isn’t electric he is valuable. This Lent devotional is no different. There are moments when I had to stop reading the daily entry to ponder, and pray - which is consistent with my experience of his work. But even when the moments weren’t as shockingly profound, there wasn’t a day that wasn’t valuable. Every entry was worth more than the time it took to read. Recommended as a companion through Lent, or any 40 day refocus on the work of Jesus and the cost/expectation of Christianity.

Powerful and Challenging Devotion

This proved to be one of the most spiritually rewarding devotionals I have used, and I’ve used dozens over the past 20 years. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is truly seeking to deepen their walk with Christ, challenge their notions of what it means to daily confess and follow Jesus, and also to set aside shallow discipleship. Tozer, as always delivers. You don’t have to wait until Lent to be blessed by this compilation.

Just ok

I read this for lent. If I hadn't committed to reading it for 40 days I would not have finished. I have read Tozer before and enjoy what he has to say but this one didn't keep my interest.There were good portions, just not every day.

Tozer at his finest! All devotionals are for Lent

Tozer at his finest! All devotionals are for Lent. I would have personally preferred shorter devotionals but a great book for Lent or any time of the year.

Another great Tozer collection!

A great man of God, Tozer continues to remind us of the powerful Christ we serve. I will continue to use this as a Lent devotional every year.

Great

Looking forward to this!

Nice

Nice

Wonderful Lenten study

Good book to guide spiritual reading during Lent

Amazing!

This has so hit the spot for my husband and I. We are loving this devotional!

Easter Prep - Two Thumbs Up!

I am enjoying this devotional each day as Easter approaches. Convicting, humbling, challenging, inspiring, teaching. Good stuff!

Toxer is my favorite Christian writer

Have always followed Tozer's books and he had written so very many. All relevant for use then and now.

Five Stars

Excellent - anything from Tozer is!

Any book by A. W. Tozer is worth ...

Any book by A.W. Tozer is worth a read or two...or to refer back to over the years.

Five Stars

must read not just to Lent but daily

One Star

May be the worst devotional book I've ever read.

Not my favorite

This is forty readings from A.W. Tozer. As such, it has value. But these items weren't written to be an advent devotional and so it fails to lead the reader into the spirit of Lent, in my opinion. Each devotion starts with a VERY brief verse or verse portion. Also, as used to be the custom, there are passages that start out negatively. For example, in the reading titled "The Fruits of Obedience," Tozer begins, "The church of our day as soft-pedaled the doctrine of obedience...." Far better to start out on a positive note about the value of obedience for the believer and the glory of God. I'm not sure Tozer would approve of his writings being excerpted in this way and being called a devotional. I think there are much better books out there to invest your devotional time. I usually love Moody Publishers' products, but this one is a miss for me.

Superb! - The Highest Quality Devotional This Season

There are a great number of Easter devotionals available, from a great number of authors. I have even reviewed some that have been published this year, specifically for the Lenten season. You will not find a Lent Devotional with a higher quality of content, than From the Grave from the writings of A.W. Tozer. I am nowhere near qualified even to comment, let alone critique and analyze Tozer's writing. He is one of the most honored pastors, speakers, and writers in recent history. What I do feel qualified to comment on is the editor's assembly of the material. The devotionals contained in this book are from A.W. Tozer's sermons and books and have been selected specifically for the season of Lent. The editors did a splendid job of titling each reading, choosing the Scripture, and aligning this with Tozer's words. The daily readings themselves are not fluff. Each reading is about three pages long, and the material is profound and inspiring. You do not skim this devotional before bed or just before you run out the door for work. Each individual reading is something you will want to study, consider carefully, and probably read through a few times until the message really sinks in. The presentation of the book itself is excellent. It is a hardcover book with no dustjacket, and the pages are beautifully designed. My only complaint is that the yellow font used for each Bible verse can be hard to read in low lighting. I realize that the font was selected to match the cover of the book, but it is probably just too faint for most people to read without a bright light nearby. Aside from this, From the Grave is easily the finest Lent Devotional on the market right now. You will be blessed for having read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Meaningful Devotions For Anytime of The Year

I'm not familiar with a lot of AW Tozer works but if this book is a taste of his beliefs, preaching and messages I agree with him wholeheartedly. With each devotion a Bible verse from the NIV is included. He then goes on to explain what he believes the the verse or passage of scripture is to the Christian and what is is to the pretending or not practicing Christian. He challenges you to examine yourself to make sure your faith and trust in Christ is genuine. Some of the devotions are long but meaningful. I grew up in a Baptist Church that didn't observe or practice any of the different seasons like Advent or Lent. I've been trying to study and find out as much information as I can regarding these practices. I plan on rereading these devotions during the 40 days of Lent but I've thoroughly enjoyed them and feel they can be read at any time of the year.

Lent Devotionals

From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional is an offering filled with a collection of sermons, editorials, and published books by A.W Tozer put together in a devotional format to reap from the days before Easter. The format is as follows; Day number, title, scripture verse, and a 2-3 page daily reading. Each reading is about 2-3 pages long and will take around 5-8 minutes to read. There are no questions but plenty to think about during the day. Though the writings are from days past, they truth to be found is still applicable to Christians of today. I appreciate the practical applications saturated in deep wisdom. This book I feel is best for personal/solo use. The back of book has every reference from where the devotionals are taken from. There are also many blank pages in the back for notes. Recommended during the Lent season.

Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and Purity of Heart and Christlikeness

“From the Grave” is made up of forty carefully selected from the writings of A. W. Tozer, compiled, and edited for the Lenten season. The forty days of Lent commemorate the fort67y days in the wilderness when Jesus fasted and was tempted. Each of the daily devotional emphasizes a theme related to the importance of faith expressed in love, the reasons for suffering, and the benefits of meditating on God’s Word. The daily readings are arranged in an intricate progression of self-denial, suffering, the cost of discipleship, and the triumph of ultimate victory in Christ, Jesus. The beautiful binding, design of the pages add to the sense of worth of the book as well as making it an excellent suggestion for gift giving.

From The Grave

"From The Grave" by AW Tozer is a collection of thoughts on particular topics such as: suffering, maturing in our walk with Jesus Christ, and trusting God. The book is around 180 pages, consists of 40 devotions of around 4 pages each, and addresses such topics as: 1. Taking time to know God. 2. Suffering 3. Our desires. 4. Spiritual power. 5. Not being controlled by the things of the world. The book reads smoothly and easily transitions from chapter to chapter. The title may be completed as a daily devotional or in a few sittings. While a brief read, the book is, like other Tozer titles, an excellent read. I was given a review copy by Moody Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Good devotional to use anytime, not just for Lent

This work by A. W. Tozer, (1897-1963) the well known Protestant theologian, is comprised of forty different reflections, primarily to be used during the Lenten season. But I found the writings quite appropriate to use for any season. The varied spiritual themes discussed for each day vary in scope and can be read at any time. Even if it is not Lent, you can do a personal retreat at home for a month or so and read a reflection every day. Tozer writes in a clear, concise manner and his Christ centered philosophy will be popular for those especially in the fundamentalist Christian faiths. Recommended.

Refreshing in its forthrightness

The thing that struck me about "From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional" by AW Tozer is that it doesn't have anecdotes that I've become used to with devotionals. The daily entries are challenging and thoughtful; even a bit on the lecturing side. Yet, I rather like that the author (who died in 1963) assumes the reader to be forthright and intellingent. It isn't that the author writes over a person's head but rather, he writes with the idea that the reader is there for the devotional that he is presenting and that's refreshing. The devotionals are spiritual and historically based. They are smart, thoughtful and challenging. As noted, it is refreshing and it makes one think a bit harder than the usual devotional.

Nice Book for Lent

I ordered this in advance of Lent this year. The index gives each week and day within that week. Each meditation or devotional is about three pages. There is a biblical reference starting each day. After reading several random ones, I feel they could be condensed into a maximum of two pages. The book is 179 pages and has two pages of references as well as several blank pages in the back, presumably for notes while reading the book. This is the first book I have read by this author. It is published by Moody Publishing of Moody Bible Institute . It was published in 2017.

One of my favorite Lent devotionals

I've had this book for a month but I absolutely could not start it before Lent. I didn't want to! It's a 40-day Lent Devotional and I really wanted to save this book and savor it. I have awaken each morning excited to read this devotional. I haven't read anything by Tozer personally, but have heard lots of his quotes. I typically stayed away from his books because I was afraid he would be a heavy read that would be difficult to read and fully grasp, considering the little time I have to read. I have been pleasantly surprised that he actually writes in a way that I understand. If all of his writings are like the excerpts from the devotional, though, his words are packed with truth that require small bites in order to meditate on what I've just learned! This 7-week devotional is divided into different topics for each day. They take just a few minutes to read, but I've found myself going back and re-reading them over and over because there is so much I want to learn from his words. His illustrations are very easy to relate to and the topics that are covered are applicable to daily life. One of my favorite quotes is, "Many of us Christians have become extremely skillful in arranging our lives so as to admit the truth of Christianity without being embarrassed by its implications. We arrange things so that we can get on well enough without divine aid, while at the same time ostensibly seeking it. We boast in the Lord but watch carefully that we never get caught depending on Him." Don't be intimidated by A. W. Tozer! This book is a great one to read if you're curious about his writings and desire to learn from his wisdom. It's a Lent Devotional that I plan to use year after year.

Lenten Devotional

Lent is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter during which Christians seek to focus their hearts and minds on the sacrfice that God made on their behalf. These daily readings are taken from excerpts of Tozer's books and sermons (You can find a full list of references in the back if you want to read it in full context). Each daily reading opens with a short scripture reference. This is more of a book for personal reflection than in depth Bible study, but the truths Tozer shares are timeless. He has a beautiful way of communicating God's truths.

Inspirational and Encouraging!

I love the way this book is laid out in chapters of writings by Tozer. His writings are always great to read. However, this is the easy way to get bite sized portions that are manageable for me each day to focus on. Tozer can be overwhelming sometimes :) This book is wonderful. I will be reading it more than once I am sure :) It would make a perfect Easter gift or any time gift, really. *If this review has been helpful for you please let me know by clicking the "Helpful" button below. Thanks ! *

Excellent Lenten devotional

Every year I look for a devotional for Lent and this is the book I bought for this year. I’m so glad I did! This is the first book that I’ve read by Mr. Tozer and I’ll definitely be reading more. The truths that he speaks in this book took me back to my teen years, when I began being serious about studying the Bible and making a special effort to be obedient to God’s word. From the Grave was a good refresher course. The devotions are only 2 or 3 short pages, but very succinct and to the point. Excellent!

Love it!

I was attracted to From the Grave because it is a devotional, it is written by Tozer, and the writing for each day is extremely short! I feel most people would be able to read through the day's passage in less than 10 minutes, and the content really is fantastic. The introduction gives a great explanation to what Lent and gives a short background...did you know that Lent is 40 days, but Sundays are not included in the 40 days? I had no idea! Each devotional has been powerful and caused me to think about what I've learned throughout the day. There are not questions at the end of each day, but the content is so thought-provoking that it has naturally sparked conversations with friends, led to great discussion, and I've already recommended it to several people! The depth of the content with the brevity of each day's content makes this book a perfect match for anyone who has a busy schedule but wants to dig deeper into Lent! I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review

Elevate your mind

This is an excellent devotional for the Lenten season. It contains 40 devotional readings, each taken from various recorded A W Tozer sermons. There is one for each day from Monday through Saturday during Lent. The readings are 2 to 3 short pages long and in classic Tozer form, they will cut to your heart and challenge your mind. There are one or two scripture references for each devotional to meditate on. Excellent addition to your resource library.

Most Excellent

This is an outstanding devotional filled with godly wisdom and spiritual insight. Tozer was definitely a gifted teacher and preacher. He is one of my favorite authors. He has a very simple, no-nonsense style yet he nevertheless provides invaluable guidance in the Word of God. I had just finished reading another Tozer book and was delighted to have this devotional because his messages are invaluable. This collection of works from Tozer are timeless.

Book Review: From the Grave

From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional features selections from the works of A.W. Tozer. With its simple format, this new devotional adapts easily into a daily routine. Each day starts with a short Scripture verse followed by words of inspiration on topics such as suffering, discipleship, obedience to Christ, etc. The book opens with an introduction from the editors containing a brief description of Lent and some of their thoughts on its purpose: “The forty days of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Saturday before Easter Sunday, commemorate Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, when He fasted and was tempted by the devil. The purpose of the season of Lent, therefore, is to prepare believers for commemorating Jesus’ self-sacrifice, especially as it is displayed in His death and resurrection, and to help them experience in a concrete way the Christian journey from death to new life.” As I read through the book, I couldn’t help but think of the apostle Paul’s words about our new life in Christ as “new creations” ( 2 Cor. 5:17). But just what does should this “new” life look like? According to Tozer, part of that involves understanding the role of suffering in a believer’s life: “It is my conviction that one of the reasons we exhibit very little spiritual power is because we are unwilling to accept and experience the fellowship of the Savior’s sufferings, which means acceptance of His cross” (Day 10/The Key to Spiritual Power.) Another important trait of a mature Christian is a proper understanding of contentment: “Contentment with earthly goods is the mark of a saint; contentment with our spiritual state is a mark of inward blindness” (Day 12/Our Enemy Contentment). I appreciate Tozer’s candor and wisdom. Overall, he has several worthwhile admonitions for believers on living the spiritual life. My one point of contention, however, is with Tozer’s adherence to “Lordship salvation.” Typically, proponents of Lordship salvation argue that salvation must involve both trust in Christ and submission to Christ. In essence, they combine two things which should be kept separate: salvation and discipleship. This comes across in portions of Tozer’s writings. For example: “In the bible, the offer of pardon on the part of God is conditioned upon intention to reform on the part of man. There can be no spiritual regeneration till there has been moral reformation” (Day 5/No Regeneration Without Reformation). What Tozer suggests is impossible. Believers are not born again by the will of the flesh, but of God (John 1:13). There can be no moral reformation in a person’s heart apart from the work of Christ. We don’t even come to Christ on our own, but our drawn by our Heavenly Father (John 6:44). Another problem with this belief is that God’s gift of salvation is not truly free if there are strings attached. Our salvation is not based on our commitment toward righteous living. It’s all about trust in Christ alone. Period. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). (Disclaimer: This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)

FROM THE GRAVE

When I came at this book I had one idea of what lent meant. The introduction first explained it in a different light to me. This is a book for me more than just lent devotion. But more of another learning tool about God. It is another stepping stone in my learning. I would recommend this for anyone is search of God. This book is easy to read and follow with your Bible. This would make a wonderful gift. I hope this has helped. Thank You

From the Grave: Book Review

I remember when I was still new in my Christian faith someone had encouraged me to read A.W. Tozer. Tozer was self-taught theologian and pastor that had an amazing talent for moving people to make Christ their all. That’s what I remember specifically about Tozer, that when I would read him I wanted to know Jesus more. That was years ago, but in the back of my mind I’ve always thought I would like to come back to Tozer…and I’m glad that recently I did exactly that. During Lent I truly enjoy 40-Day devotionals. Actually, it’s probably the only time of the year that I read authored devotionals as part of my time with the Lord. This year I was given the opportunity to review “From the Grave: A 40-Day Lent Devotional.” Taken from Tozer’s books and sermons, this devotional is well organized and quick to read. Each devotional is only about 2-2 1/2 pages at length and they are just packed! These are the kinds of thoughts that you read it multiple times to just let it sink in. Tozer’s great ambition perhaps throughout his ministry, I would say, was to see people truly following Christ. He wanted to see people becoming passionate and empowered disciples of Jesus, who had the ability to take up their cross on a daily level and run after their Lord. This passion is communicated on a daily level in this devotional. In one regard it is less oriented towards the ideals of Lent (such as fasting or repentance [though not without]) and more towards spending intentional time focusing on our commitment to Gospel-living. From topics such as the wilderness to Spiritual power, simplicity to sanctification, the radical nature of the cross to the triumph of the resurrection, each devotional aims at reshaping and redefining our faith. For me, this was like coming back to the feet of a beloved old mentor of the faith. These are the dense sections of 40 conversations over tea or coffee where he helps me to see Christ afresh in my life, while not holding back on where he doesn’t see Christ afresh! For those who are fans of Tozer, this is just a delight. For those who would be new to Tozer, prepare to be challenged. He has a way of speaking directly to the heart of matters in faith, our faith specifically. And even though some this content is 50-80 years old, it is timeless even today. If you’re looking for a wonderful but challenging Lenten devotional that will speak depths in a quick manner, I would highly recommend this one. I received this book free from “Moody Publishers” in exchange for my review. That said, this is my honest review of the book and I am in no way associated with the author or publisher. followthegoose.wordpress.com

Trending Books