Don’t Use Skim Milk in God’s Recipe for Life

DiAnn Mills—Author of Canyon of Deceit

John 10:10 (NIV): "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullness of God’s love. Explore the wisdom of your God-time without an eye on the time.

Nourish Your Spirit—Embracing the Fullness of Life: Nourishment for Body and Spirit

Whole milk is packed with essential nutrients that our bodies need, just as a robust spiritual life provides the richness and fullness of life that Jesus offers, encouraging us to seek a deep and authentic relationship with Him rather than settling for superficial shortcuts.

In today’s world, many of us are constantly seeking shortcuts in various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in our diets, our work, or our spiritual journeys, the appeal of the easy way out can be tempting. But when it comes to living a fulfilling and purposeful life, there are no substitutes for the real thing. Just like we wouldn’t want to use skim milk in a savory, flavorful recipe, we shouldn’t skimp on the godly ingredients that truly nourish our souls.

I understand that not everyone can enjoy dairy. For those who are lactose intolerant, think of this analogy in terms of your favorite milk alternatives—like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The principle remains the same: opting for the full-fat versions of these alternatives can represent embracing the richness and depth of a full life, while the lighter versions might symbolize taking shortcuts. 

How can we avoid shortcuts for a rich, full life with God?

Embrace the Whole Experience

Consider the taste difference between whole milk, which provides a richer, creamier taste, and skim milk. Our mouths water! Imagine embracing the entirety of life’s experiences—both the good and the challenging—to create a fuller, more satisfying journey. By facing obstacles and overcoming hardships, we grow and deepen our faith.

Don’t Settle for Less Embrace the Fullness: Avoiding Shortcuts in Health and Spirituality

In our “take the shortcut” view of life, we often settle for less than what we truly need. Skim milk might seem like a healthier choice because it has less fat, but it also lacks the richness and nutrients of whole milk. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we shouldn’t settle for superficial practices. Dive deep into prayer, study the Scriptures, and engage in meaningful community to experience the fullness of God’s love. Explore the wisdom of your God-time without an eye on the time.

Nourish Your Spirit

Whole milk is packed with essential nutrients that our bodies need, just as a robust spiritual life provides the sustenance our souls crave. Regular worship, fellowship with other believers, Bible study, and acts of volunteer service are vital to a spiritually nourishing life.

Authenticity Over Convenience

In a world that often skips over authenticity, remember that true fulfillment comes from being genuine and wholehearted in our pursuits. Just as you wouldn't want to bake a cake with skim milk and miss out on its full flavor, we don’t want to shortchange our relationship with God by taking the easiest path to spiritual growth. Experiencing and processing pain, rather than ignoring it, fosters stronger spiritual growth.

Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God Through Pursuing Patience and Persistence

Good things take time. We get distracted—Satan’s best tool for pulling us away from God. We long to create a rich, delicious dish. But it requires patience and attention to detail, and so does pursuing a deep and meaningful relationship with God. Don't rush through quiet times and Bible study to check off a box. When we invest our hearts in the relationship that matters for eternity, we receive blessings.

Trust in God's Recipe

God has a perfect plan for each of us, and His recipe is designed to grow us more in the likeness of Jesus. Trust in His guidance, even when the process seems slow or challenging. Just as a master chef knows the right ingredients and techniques to create a masterpiece, God knows what we need to become the best versions of ourselves.

Living a life of faith isn’t about taking shortcuts or settling for less. It’s about embracing the fullness of God’s love and the richness of His plan for us. So, don’t use skim milk in God's recipe for your life. Choose the whole, nourishing experience that will lead to true fulfillment and joy.

What tip can you give for using richness in God’s recipe for life?

---

Prayer: God, thank you for the richness of your love and the fullness you invite us to experience. Help us to avoid shortcuts in our spiritual lives and to embrace the whole journey You have set before us. Teach us to seek deep connection with You through prayer, Your Word, and community. Give us patience and persistence as we grow in faith, trusting Your perfect plan. May we choose the full, nourishing life with You over superficial shortcuts. Strengthen us to nourish our spirits and to pursue authenticity in all we do. Thank You for Your grace and guidance along the way. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Your Turn:1. In what areas of your life might you be tempted to take shortcuts spiritually? What changes could you make to seek a fuller, more nourishing relationship with God?

2. How can embracing the full experience of life—both challenges and blessings—deepen your faith?

3. Are there practices in your spiritual routine that need to be “full-fat” to better nourish your soul?

4. What patience or persistence do you need to cultivate to grow closer to God?

5. How can you encourage others to pursue authenticity and fullness in their spiritual journeys?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions and consider how you can apply the principles from this devotion to your daily life.

---

 DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com 

Check out DiAnn's latest book, Canyon of Deceit ⬇️

Click Me