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Listen "Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, June 1, 2025"
Episode Synopsis
Running on Empty
“You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in.”
Pastor Michael explores the tension between feeling spiritually empty and God's promise of an overflowing cup in Psalm 23. Through humor, personal stories, and the biblical account of King David's darkest moments, this message addresses why we often feel like we're "running on empty" spiritually and how God wants to fill us to overflowing.
Key Topics Covered
The Fuel Light Challenge
Opening illustration about internet challenges and the "Fuel Light Challenge"
How we live spiritually like we drive on empty - pushing through warning signs
The cycle of telling ourselves "things will slow down after this week"
Understanding Psalm 23:5
Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs
The significance of an overflowing cup as God's generous provision
David's promise: "My cup runs over" vs. our reality of feeling empty
The Story of The Broken King
King David's betrayal by his son Absalom
David's flight from Jerusalem and his moment of despair
The birth of Psalm 42 in David's wilderness experience
How David moved from "Why is my soul cast down?" to hope in God\
When Your Cup Runs Dry
Common areas where we feel empty: money, energy, and timeThe danger of carrying burdens God never asked us to carry
Understanding God's pruning process in our lives
Recognizing our human limitations (even Jesus needed rest)
Key Quotes
"You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in"
"God does not ask you to pour out what you don't have. He's inviting you to be filled"
"Instead of being too blessed to be stressed, we are too tired to be inspired"
"There are no heroes when your cup runs dry. There is only an empty cup and God to fill it"
"God can work with breadcrumbs of time"
Scripture References
Primary Text:
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
Supporting Passages:
Psalm 42:1-3, 5
Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 11:28
Practical Applications
Start small: worship in the car, read one verse while coffee brews
Look for cracks in your day to fill with God
Be intentional about finding time for spiritual filling
Ask God what needs to go - what you're carrying that He never asked you to carry
Bring your empty cup to God instead of trying to shake drops from it
Personal Stories Shared
Pastor's experience with work stress and finding time for worship during commutes
Preparing sermons during lunch breaks while eating reheated pasta
The ongoing struggle with time, energy, and balancing ministry with secular work
Historical Context
Background on King David as shepherd, warrior, king, and songwriter
David's authorship of approximately half of the 150 PsalmsThe cultural significance of Psalm 23 over 3,000 years
For Further Reflection
Where in your life do you feel like you're "running on empty"?
What burdens might you be carrying that God never asked you to carry?
How can you create small moments throughout your day to be filled by God?
What needs to be pruned from your life to make room for what God wants to pour in?
This message is part of the "Overflowing" series at ReCreate Church, exploring how God wants to fill our lives to abundance rather than leaving us running on spiritual fumes.
“You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in.”
Pastor Michael explores the tension between feeling spiritually empty and God's promise of an overflowing cup in Psalm 23. Through humor, personal stories, and the biblical account of King David's darkest moments, this message addresses why we often feel like we're "running on empty" spiritually and how God wants to fill us to overflowing.
Key Topics Covered
The Fuel Light Challenge
Opening illustration about internet challenges and the "Fuel Light Challenge"
How we live spiritually like we drive on empty - pushing through warning signs
The cycle of telling ourselves "things will slow down after this week"
Understanding Psalm 23:5
Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs
The significance of an overflowing cup as God's generous provision
David's promise: "My cup runs over" vs. our reality of feeling empty
The Story of The Broken King
King David's betrayal by his son Absalom
David's flight from Jerusalem and his moment of despair
The birth of Psalm 42 in David's wilderness experience
How David moved from "Why is my soul cast down?" to hope in God\
When Your Cup Runs Dry
Common areas where we feel empty: money, energy, and timeThe danger of carrying burdens God never asked us to carry
Understanding God's pruning process in our lives
Recognizing our human limitations (even Jesus needed rest)
Key Quotes
"You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in"
"God does not ask you to pour out what you don't have. He's inviting you to be filled"
"Instead of being too blessed to be stressed, we are too tired to be inspired"
"There are no heroes when your cup runs dry. There is only an empty cup and God to fill it"
"God can work with breadcrumbs of time"
Scripture References
Primary Text:
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
Supporting Passages:
Psalm 42:1-3, 5
Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 11:28
Practical Applications
Start small: worship in the car, read one verse while coffee brews
Look for cracks in your day to fill with God
Be intentional about finding time for spiritual filling
Ask God what needs to go - what you're carrying that He never asked you to carry
Bring your empty cup to God instead of trying to shake drops from it
Personal Stories Shared
Pastor's experience with work stress and finding time for worship during commutes
Preparing sermons during lunch breaks while eating reheated pasta
The ongoing struggle with time, energy, and balancing ministry with secular work
Historical Context
Background on King David as shepherd, warrior, king, and songwriter
David's authorship of approximately half of the 150 PsalmsThe cultural significance of Psalm 23 over 3,000 years
For Further Reflection
Where in your life do you feel like you're "running on empty"?
What burdens might you be carrying that God never asked you to carry?
How can you create small moments throughout your day to be filled by God?
What needs to be pruned from your life to make room for what God wants to pour in?
This message is part of the "Overflowing" series at ReCreate Church, exploring how God wants to fill our lives to abundance rather than leaving us running on spiritual fumes.
In God we trust