Church & The Gas Station.

 Now you may be wondering what those two places have in common. Well, let me tell you. I visit each one once a week. I fill my car up with gas about once a week to get me to where I am going. I go to church once a week (actually twice) to fill up spiritually to get me through the week.

I was thinking about this as I was filling the tank in my van the other day. I thought that this is sure a lot like church. I mean you fill your vehicle up and run it all week until it gets low on gas and then do it all over again. So that's like church. I go once a week, get filled with the word of God, some really good worship, enjoy the company of other believers, get my iron sharpened and then go out and empty myself throughout the week, then come back and do it all over again.

How does one empty themselves during the week? Well, I tell people about the Gospel of Jesus. I give testimony for what He has done for me. I volunteer to make a difference in my community. I worship as I go about each day of the week. Just like a car uses gas by going places during the week, the same is with us as we move about in our circle of influence. Family, work, shopping, volunteering. What ever it is that you do, empty yourselves of what God has filled you up with.

Colossians 3:12-14 The Message

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

As we go about our days, we strive to live like this. This what God wants from us, and that takes a lot of energy and strength. So from Sunday through Saturday our energy should be completely zapped and we are ready to be refueled. What better place to do that than the church with other like minded people.

Hebrews 10:25 New Living Translation

25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Lord I pray that I may be empty so You can fill me with Yourself and what You want from me.

Amen!