Do you come to a feast hungry and leave nourished?
Well, how’s your appetite for spiritual feasting?
It matters what we fill up on and how often.
When a person enters into relationship with God through Jesus, there is a need to be fed the faith’s elementary truths. We are encouraged “like newborn babies” to “crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2 NIV). The person has a craving – a strong, focused desire – to know the Savior. The longing is for pure truth, not watered down teaching leaving excuses to sin. That mindset was cast off with the spiritual rebirth! Being taught God’s truths, so he can be trusted and obeyed, is needed to grow in the faith.
As children grow physically, so Christians – being surrendered to the Lord – grow spiritually. There is a transition that helps develop spiritual maturity. Learning God’s teachings feeds our souls. As we act in obedience – being doers and not just hearers – we are being sanctified, growing in godliness. “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14 NIV). God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit mature us in wisdom as we seek God to discern his will and submit to him (Romans 12:2). His desires become our desires, for his glory and our good.
Typically, we eat food on a regular schedule, other than in times of fasting. If we are attentive to our body, we can discern what we eat and when we eat to help our body feel best. We ought to be as attentive to our spiritual condition. Going to church on Sunday will not fill our soul for the week. Hearing a verse briefly read on a Christian radio station will not allow God’s truths to simmer in our mind. Quickly reading in a Christian book before a weekly meeting will not allow for chewing on the content that is meant impact our heart. Choosing to linger in our selfish thoughts will not provide the taste of peace that comes from choosing to honor God in our heart. Praying superficial words to our heavenly Father will not deepen our relationship with him.
As enjoying a meal with others is meaningful, so feeding on God’s Word with others is meaningful. The believer’s faith is shared, sharpened, and strengthened. Working through Heart Training books is one way to make this happen. The content sparks intentional conversation about knowing God, learning his ways, and applying his truths. Whether Do LAPS!, Do LAPS! Volume 2, Follow and Lead, or Keep on Track is used between a parent and child or between friends, each person’s heart is acted upon just how God knows the individual needs it. That is the power of God’s Word – it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)!
Get filled and be nourished!
Feast on the Word using a Heart Training book!