5:74 – Still learning how to fill back in

#faithbites #faithjourney fill

3:76 – Pouring Out, Need to Fill In

Almost two years to the day, I posted the below #faithbites. I felt drained, exhausted, and uncertain. Today, I feel the same way: drained, exhausted, and uncertain. But.. I do sense hope on the horizon. Lots of opportunities for my family and friends, but still uncertain. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Originally posted March 16, 2020

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3:76 – Pouring Out, Need to Fill In

#faithbites #faithjourney pouring

Right now I feel mentally and physically exhausted. It’s been a long day of planning for COVID-19 at work but also talking to people about what is going on. It’s been a practice in faith, empathy, spirit, and love. I also had a wonderful meeting with a Pastor who is considering accepting a call at our church.

In our discussions, I realized that I am pouring out the spirit to everyone. My time in the word is to help others learn and share his love. I’m not taking time to fill back up. I need to do that.

I know that we are all wondering what tomorrow is going to bring. I’m wondering what it will mean to possibly not be back on campus until summer. My heart goes out to everyone who is hurting. We are all pouring out our love, we need to take time to fill it back in.

Scripture

• “I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, – Exodus 31:3
• Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness – Luke 4:1
• So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 11:24

Reflection

Be it in the wilderness, on the way back from Jordan, on the road to Damascus, or in our own homes, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. Just like a battery we can’t keep pouring out energy and not filling it back up. For those of you who actively give of your time and energy all the time, this is hard as it’s not like us to do that.

We need to take time in the Lord for ourselves. The pastor told me that while I am writing #faithbites and researching scripture for it, I’m doing it not for myself but for teaching and others. He challenged me to take time in the word for myself, I will challenge you the same.

Before we go, know that you will be filled with the Spirit and Jesus is with you until the end of the age.

Challenge

Select your favorite book in the bible. (My new testament one is Romans). Now challenge yourself to read it over and over and over again. It’s not to memorize it but each time you will read it, you will get something different. Read it and listen to what Jesus is telling you. This is a great way to be filled by the spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly father, we are in a period of change. We pray for all of all our teachers, educators, students, and staff as we go through this time. They have poured their energy into each other and now are worried when they will meet again. Be with them and help them find alternative ways to connect. Help each of us to feel your spirit everyday. We are pouring you out and need to be filled back up. Help us to find a routine where we can do that daily. We love you and give you all the glory and honor, Amen.