IN the last posting, the Spiritual Growth reading was from Book 2 of Miles Stanford’s None But The Hungry Heart. He actually wrote twelve of these little devotional books, each containing 31 readings focusing on growth principles that center on Not I, But Christ. It is my understanding that these 12 books were published after his five main works were compiled into one book – The Complete Green Letters.
I HAVE completed and posted my study in The Complete Green Letters and have of late been sharing some of my favorite readings from the reservoir of None But The Hungry Heart. In my personal daily readings in NBTHH, I recently considered 12-31, and found it a fitting commentary as to why I believe these “growth principles” are so important and much in need for continual review. So, with that, here’s our consideration for today, remembering that this is the last reading in NBTHH, a final thought on the matter of Spiritual Growth in Christ. It is titled, 12-31, There’s More!
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10; Isa 30:15; Job 2:10; Jas. 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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12-31. There’s More!
“Let us go on past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ” (Heb. 6:1a, Amp.).
The milk of the Word is necessary for the immature years. But in order to carry out His purpose in our lives, our Father brings in needs that call for more than milk – we become hungry for the meat of the word, and are thereby strengthened and matured.
“‘When I see the Blood, I will pass over you’ (Ex. 12:13). The Blood shelters from the Judge, but there is no rest there. In this state, the believer is like a man in a lifeboat: he is rescued, but still in the place where the danger is; he would like to get to shore. He is safe, but not clear of the power of the enemy, not clear of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. That is really where most Christians are today.” -J.B.S.
“There are vast numbers who profess to believe in the atoning virtue of the death of the Lord Jesus, but who do not see aught therein beyond the forgiveness of their sins. They do not as yet see the crucifixion, death, and burial of the sinner – the entire displacement of the old system of things belonging to their first – Adam position; in a word, their perfect identification with their risen and ascended Lord.” -C.H.M.
“With Israel, after its deliverance from Egypt, there were two stages. The one, this life in the wilderness, with its wanderings and its wants, its unbelief and its murmurings. The other, the land of promise, with rest instead of desert wanderings, and with abundance instead of want – symbols of the two stages of the Christian life. The one in which we only know the Lord Jesus as Savior from Egypt, in His work on the Cross for atonement and pardon. The other, where He is known and welcomed as our Life in heaven; Who, in the power of that endless life, leads us to find our home in the Holiest of our Father’s presence.” -A.M.
“. . . advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity” (Heb. 6:1b, Amp.).
