Just Say When!

Have you ever been asked if you would like a refill on your drink? It may have been at the home of the friend or in a restaurant. The drink could have been hot or cold. Whether it has been water, coffee, iced tea, or soda, the server may have said, “Just say when!” The proper response would be a reply indicating that that is enough. The cutesy reply may be the word, ‘when’. In any case, your host or server is inquiring as to just how much more of the beverage you would like. 

Before beginning to pour, the server will wait for an affirmative response to the inquiry of wanting a refill. A refill implies that there has already been a cup or glass poured and consumed. If you have been born again you have tasted of the Holy Spirit.  “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8 NLT)  Once you have tasted of His goodness, refills should always be welcomed.

There are many ways to invite the refilling if the Holy Spirit. When you read the Bible or listen to Bible teaching, you are inviting a refill of the Holy Spirit. As you pray, you are also going to be filled with more of God. As you give to other,s you are creating more room in your cup to be filled yet again.  Not only do you have more room to be filled again, but others can also experience the blessings of God.  “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52 NLT)

There are ways that you can put limits on how full you cup will be. Disobedience can stop the flow of that sweet infilling. A desire to be in control of situations and exert your own will also stops this flow. Simple laziness and neglecting time with God puts a barrier between the Holy Spirit and your thirsty soul. Ungratefulness is also an instant interruption in the free flow of the Spirit’s power in our lives.  “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18-19)  All of these wring attitudes of the heart are dangerous to our spiritual well-being. 

You can also stop the flow of the Holy Spirit by not giving to others. You can be so full of teaching and revelation that there’s no more room, unless you share some with those around you. When a cup is filled to the brim no more can be added. The only way to receive more, is to first empty some out. God never intended us to get full of Him and His love without giving Him away.  “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1John 3:16 NLT)  Love by nature is giving. 

So accept God’s invitation to receive more of His Spirit. Do not limit the flow of God in your life. Fill up. Give away. Fill up again. There’s no limit to how much you can receive. The only limit is what you choose to receive and give away.