Got Milk? Got Gas? Got God?

Did you fill up today? I was running fast, and going strong. He had filled me up, and all was good. But the last few days I haven't delved deep. I've been living on the few awesome moments He gave me the past few days, and the few awesome things I've heard my friends say about Him. But now, I'm running on fumes. I told myself I was going to church this morning, and when I was too tired this morning, I told myself it would be good enough if I just read a little and spent a little time with Him.

But that's not the food I needed. Its not enough gas to keep going. Not getting up and going meant I didn't even have the energy or the focus to really read or spend that time with Him later.

So, in this season of growth, don't ever put spending time with Him off. Don't neglect it either. Your bones need calcium, your car needs gas, your belly needs food, your lamp needs a lightbulb, your mind and body need rest, and your soul (and all of you) needs Him.

My day felt off-kilter. I felt tired. I felt unmotivated. Its because I didn't fill up and chose not to.

Just like a car gets better gas mileage when it has a full tank of gas, and running on fumes is bad for the engine...

Just like you have to add oil to a lantern, replace candles and lightbulbs, and they shine brighter when they are full and when they are new...

"Now, today, do you choose to live by the light that shines in your window because of what others are doing [through Him], or do you choose to turn on the light inside [of you] and seek the Source of the Light (God)? Everyday is a choice. You can turn it on, leave it on, and let it burn out if you don't continue to seek more of Him. If your light is running low and growing dim, Don't run on fumes! You have to choose, and you have to choose to let Him shine into you so you can continue to shine into others. Don't dare to try to keep shining without letting Him shine into you first. What will you share then? Nothing but a pool of wax from a once-bright candle."

Challenge: A Season to Grow

I'm growing, and am determined to continue to grow in Faith with Jesus.

So here is the challenge: over the summer, I want God to teach me something overall, and something new each week and each day. Please join me in this venture if you want!

• Ask Him to reveal one or two things He wants to teach you or grow you in over the course of this season.
• Meet with Him weekly, beyond your normal quiet time. Have a set time and day, like 7pm on Tuesdays. Make this time like a small group bible study session for you and him. Or, if you feel moved to do so, make it a small group and invite others to grow with you.
• Have a weekly focus. For example, explore Faith the first week, Love the second, Worship, Healing, Leadership, the Holy Spirit, etc. the following weeks
• Start by praying. Ask for guidance, openness, encouragement, and enlightenment, and understanding. Also ask for healing and allow Him to take away anything that might distract you or get in between you two. Ask Him to move you and lead you on the path that He has planned
• Unless He moves you in a different direction, begin by looking up verses on your subject. Use a concordance, a website like BibleGateway.com, a subject guide (often found in the backs of Bibles), and/or your own recollection. Don't be afraid to jump around as He leads you or read a whole book of the Bible. Its your time with Him. Its up to Him what He wants you to hear and its up to you what you want to read. Together, you'll figure it out.
• Ask yourself questions, and ask God too.
• What did you learn? What are you learning?
• What didn't you understand?
• What is God saying? Are any thoughts or words from Him coming to mind?
• How do you feel? Take these feelings to Him, whether they are excitement, joy, sadness, or frustration, or even reluctance. Let Him move and shape and change you.
• How does this week's focus and what you've heard relate to your overlaying area of growth for this season?
• Spend time with Him daily. Read some. Pray a lot. Journal some.
• Write it all down in a journal. Keep a record of your season of growth.
• Share what you are learning with others of faith so that they may support you in your walk, and you in theirs. Also, don't be afraid to mention what God is teaching you to others who may not share a relationship with Jesus. Just be loving and gentle, and listen. Whatever advice they may give you, you can still learn from-- just be sure to take it to God and check with Him.