STOPPING TO REFUEL
When You're Running on Empty - Part 5
May 14-18, 2007

... you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:19b (NLT)

In our culture today, with gas prices rising almost by the hour, the idea of refueling might seem negative. But spiritually speaking, refueling is positive, possible, and powerful. If you are going to have a deep and vibrant life with your gauges for God continually on "full," the only thing to do when you're running on empty is to refuel. In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, quoted above, the Greek word he used for "filled" refers to a continual state of being filled. You need this today as much as the early church did then. This week you'll examine three reasons why you need to refuel and three doable steps you can take everyday to keep yourself from running dry.

MONDAY

YOU NEED TO REFUEL BECAUSE...
1. SOMETHING MUST CHANGE... EMPTINESS ISN'T WORKING FOR YOU.

How does God instruct you through Jeremiah 6:16 on how to find rest for your soul?

  • What are some ways you can become more conscious about choosing to be less busy.
  • What behavioral and emotional signs tell you that you are running on empty?
  • How does busyness weaken your relationships with God and with others?

TUESDAY

YOU NEED TO REFUEL BECAUSE...
2. YOU HAVE A SOUL THAT WANTS TO BE FILLED.

What would be the result of gaining the whole world, according to Matthew 16:26?

  • When it comes to caring for your soul, what worldly things do you tend to put first?
  • Name some practical ways to better care for your soul.
  • Your soul is the invisible, eternal part of you that is the real you - it defines who you are. It is with your soul that you connect with God. What are some common things you fill your soul with instead?

WEDNESDAY

YOU NEED TO REFUEL BECAUSE...
3. YOUR SOUL FILLING IS AN INVESTMENT IN ETERNITY.

According to 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, what are you sure of as long as you are living in your body?

  • What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight?
  • What is the connection between caring for your body and caring for your soul. How does the way you care for our soul affect your body and vice versa?
  • How does sin affect your body and your soul?
  • In what ways can you invest in your soul for eternity?

THURSDAY

TO REFUEL YOU NEED...

EVERYDAY I NEED TO...

STOP: Take some time every day, even if it's just a few minutes, to stop your hurried spirit. You can't fill your car without turning off your engine, so stop your body and stop your mind.

BE QUIET: In your noisy world, quiet can be like air and water for your soul. Did you know that noises can trigger body reactions? In the same way, quiet refreshes your spirit. It restores peace and serenity.

  • According to 1 Kings 19:11-12, how does God often reveal Himself?

MAKE A CONNECTION: In this age of connectivity, consider this - your connection with God is completely wireless and does not even require a modem - and no monthly fees! Turn off the outside world and connect with God through His Spirit dwelling inside you.

  • What are some ways you can improve your connection with God?

Worship - You worship God by giving Him regular space in your life.

  • What do you do to refuel when you are running on empty?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... and you will find rest for you6r souls.

Matthew 11:28, 29b (NIV)

Can you see yourself doing these three things every day? Imagine what your life would look like, how it might be different, if you took this time - again, even just a few minutes - to connect with God daily and refuel. How can you not simply fill your empty tank, but make sure you never run on empty again? If you've been feeling guilty because you're not taking daily time to spend with God, perhaps it's because you're looking at the wrong model. You don't have to pour in hours at a time or try to be a super saint. But to keep from running dry you need to top off your tank on a regular basis. This week, take time to study the model of Jesus by looking at how He refueled everyday in Matthew 14:23; 26:36-39, Mark 1:35, Luke 4:42, 5:16, and 6:12. Then determine to stop, be quiet, and make a connection by answering these three questions:

WHEN? When can you stop? What time of day works best for you?

WHERE? No matter how chaotic your life, try to identify a place where you can be quiet.

WHAT? What are some tools that will help you make a connection.