From Milk to Meat
Drawing near to the fire is not about watching—it’s about warming.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Spiritual growth is not simply about knowing Bible facts or receiving blessings. Many believers remain in the “milk” stage of faith—drawing encouragement from God’s kindness and the comforts He provides. But growth into spiritual maturity happens when we move beyond merely receiving from God and begin to feed on Christ Himself through the Word—not for stimulation or emotional assurance, but because His Word is life.
Today’s devotional from Miles Stanford draws a distinction between general Bible study and personal feeding on the living Christ within the Scriptures. Foundational truths and blessings have their place, but lasting transformation comes when we abandon the need for signs, feelings, or visible affirmations and rest in God's unchanging Word by faith. The maturing heart no longer relies on spiritual “highs” but remains steadfast because it is sure of God’s truth simply because it is His.
This kind of believing is not a passing sentiment but a chosen, sustained posture of the will. It rejects doubt and resists the pull of appearances and emotions. Like a ship on open seas, we must be filled from within or risk being tossed about by what we lack. Only Christ—through the nourishment of His Word—fills that deep interior space, anchoring the soul in all seasons.
Personalized Journal Entry — Voice of the Holy Spirit
My child, the nourishment you seek does not come from fleeting blessings or stirred emotions, but from Me—your indwelling life. I am your strength, your stability, your satisfaction. You were never meant to live by impressions or experiences, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
When I quicken a verse to your heart, it is not a momentary gift—it is Me making Myself known. Feed on Me. Let My Word dwell in you richly, not only to instruct your mind, but to steady your will and warm your heart. You do not live by what you feel but by what I have said. And I have said, You are Mine.
Put away childish things. There is no need to search the horizon for signs of land when the Captain is with you in the boat. Set your heart on Me, and let My truth be the anchor for your faith.
Fix your will upon My Word. Cast off the need for external affirmation. Rest in My promises—not because they always feel true, but because they are true. I am the faithful One. You grow not by feeling full, but by feasting on Me—even in silence, even in stillness.
Hebrews 5:13, 1 Timothy 4:6, Deuteronomy 8:3, Colossians 3:16, John 6:63
Real-Life Analogy
There’s a difference between watching a fireplace and sitting close enough to feel its warmth. You can admire the glow from across the room, even comment on how lovely it looks—but it won’t change your body temperature until you draw near and linger. The same is true of My Word. Observing from a distance may inform you, but only intimacy warms you.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord Jesus, thank You that You have not left me to live on borrowed warmth or passing emotion. You’ve given me Your Spirit and Your Word as my daily sustenance. I trust You to nourish me—not with surface-level blessing but with Your very life within. I fix my heart on You and affirm that You are more than enough. I’m grateful that You have matured me beyond milk and into the richness of knowing You. What a joy to feed on You today.