Imagine you are carrying a cup filled with some liquid. Then, imagine someone comes along and bumps you, spilling the liquid out. Whatever is in the cup will spill out. If you have water in your cup, water will pour out. If you have soda in there, soda will pour out. You get the idea...In many ways, we are like the cup. We get a real sense of what is stored up inside of us when we get bumped by others. Someone cuts you of in the road ... something goes wrong ... somebody pushes your buttons. What happens? What comes out of you? What's stored up in your cup?
I've been reading through Matthew in my morning devotions. Jesus said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him," (Matthew 12:35).
It made me think about what I have stored up inside of me and what I am storing up inside of me. Do I hang on to anger, frustration, bitterness, wounds, or sin? Do I fill my mind with music, literature, movies, or shows that are not helpful to my body, mind, or spirit? Or, am I allowing God to free me from negative thoughts and emotions while filling myself up with uplifting thoughts, ideas, and activities?
Do you have something negative stored up inside that you need to release and process with someone? Talk with a pastor, counselor, small group leader, or trusted friend. I'd be happy to talk and pray with you. Begin the process of freedom and healing.
What are some good things you can store up inside of you? Worship music, sermons, Bible readings, small group conversations, service experiences, faith-building with your spouse or your children, god-honoring relationships and friendships, prayer, etc.? Store it up like a chipmunk stores nuts!
Next time we get bumped, may their be an overflow of God's love and goodness.
Share your stored up ideas...
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