As we were finishing breakfast, Ricky came by with the coffee pot and asked, “Do you guys want some more?”
I replied that I didn’t want any more coffee, but Stan said, “Fill me up!”
After Ricky filled Stan’s coffee cup and left, Stan said, “You know, there’s something about what just happened that’s kind of like what happened with the feeding of the five thousand, as well as something God says all the time.”
“Help me with that, Stan,” I replied. “All I heard was Ricky asking if we wanted some more coffee. You did and I didn’t. What’s that have to do with God or the feeding of the five thousand, or anything else?”
“Well,” Stan said, “as you’ll probably remember, with the feeding of the five thousand, after Jesus had given thanks for the bread and the fish, He distributed it to the people.”
“Yeah,” I replied, “and they ate. What about it?”
“Do you remember what it says about how much they ate?” Stan asked.
“How much they ate? Remind me.”
“It says they ate as much as they wanted, and then it says they were filled.”
“So?”
“It’s like the people said to Jesus that they wanted all that He had to give them,” Stan replied. “And, it seems to me, that’s what God wants us to say to Him all of the time.”
“Give us all you have?” I said. “Is that it?”
“That’s it,” Stan replied. “Can you imagine what a difference that would make in lives and in the world if people came before God and said that they wanted Him to fill them with all that He has to give?”
“Yeah,” I said, “I can see how that might make a difference.”
“Might make a difference?” Stan questioned. “Surely it’s more than ‘might’!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost.” John 6:11-12.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts of the Apostles 2:4.
And 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 of the Apostles 9:17.
You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for all you have for us through the cross of Christ, and well as for all you have for us as we work out the salvation that you have worked in through His cross. Thank you, too, that you want me to ask you to fill me with all you have as I live this life for you and your kingdom. I confess that too often I don’t ask to be filled with all you have for me. I do that because I choose to be filled with other things apart from you. Please forgive that foolishness. Help me to follow every step of your lead in asking to be filled with all you have for me. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you asked for and received life eternally with God? If no, why do you want to remain separated from Him? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with coming before God and asking for all He has for you while you remain on this side of eternity? If you sense the need for change in any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you want? Why or why not?