From Words to Walking
Quiet morning with the Word open, a picture of truth moving from page to heart by the Spirit.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ephesians 1:17 says the Father gives a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we may know Jesus. Miles Stanford helps us slow down and see that the goal is not to stockpile facts. The goal is a Person. The Spirit moves truth from the page into the heart, then into the day, so we live from what the Father has freely given.
I have learned that I can explain a doctrine and still miss the joy of it. Stanford invites us to move from expounder to exponent. Not less Bible, but the Word received in the Lord’s presence, where counter voices grow quiet and the Holy Spirit makes what is ours feel wonderfully real.
He also reminds us that Scripture tells us what the Father gives, and the Spirit makes it experiential. We behold the Lord’s glory, and the Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out. This is not a push toward performance. It is an invitation to abiding life, where Jesus lives His life in and through us as we trust Him.
So here is the simple path today. Open the Word. Sit with the Lord. Ask no favors that He has already given. Welcome the Spirit to apply what you read. Then expect quiet fruit as Jesus expresses His life in you and through you.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am the Spirit who is from God so that you may know the things freely given by the Father. I take the words you read and lead you into their meaning in Jesus. I guide you into all truth. I open the eyes of your heart to the hope of His calling and to the riches of His grace.
I form Christ in you. As you behold the Lord’s glory, I transform you from glory to glory. I teach you to abide in Him, and His life becomes the source of your love and your choices. The word of Christ dwells in you richly, and I make it living and active in your thoughts, your speech, and your steps.
You are united with Jesus. You have died with Him and you live with Him. You are led by Me, not by pressure or fear. Be a doer who acts, not to earn, but because the life of the Son is your life. Fix your mind on things above. Walk by the Spirit. I will take what belongs to the Lord and declare it to you, and you will find that truth becoming your lived story.
Scripture references: Ephesians 1:17 to 19, 1 Corinthians 2:12 to 13, John 16:13 to 15, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Romans 8:14, James 1:22 to 25, Colossians 3:1 to 4, John 15:4 to 5.
Real-Life Analogy
Reading a recipe is good, but the kitchen changes when the dough goes into the oven and the room fills with the scent of a fresh loaf. The recipe tells you what is possible. Heat makes it real. In the same way, the Word tells us what the Father has given, and the indwelling Holy Spirit brings it to life within us, shaping what we think and how we act without all of the endless self-effort.
Try this today. After reading a short passage, close the page for a moment and whisper, Lord, I trust You to work this truth into me as You live through me in this conversation, this strained family relationship, this email, and this commute. Then move forward expecting Jesus to express honesty, patience, and clarity through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus You have freely given me every spiritual blessing. Thank You for Your Spirit who opens the Word and applies it to my heart. I receive union with Your Son as my starting place today. I welcome Your life to be seen in my words and my choices. Lord, I trust You to turn truth into love in the ordinary moments ahead.