Week One

I like spending money. I love blessing people with meals or gifts—there’s so much joy in it. But Jenae, the frugal one in our marriage, will lovingly say, “Miles, we didn’t budget for that,” or worse: “Miles, we don’t have the money to spend.” That’s a tough pill to swallow. But here’s what’s sobering: it’s happened far more often in my spiritual life than in our finances. I’ve tried to pour out when I’m empty. Maybe you’ve been there too.

I remember one day in particular. I had just finished work when I got the call: a church member had passed. I rushed to be with the family. But I was depleted. I hadn’t spent time with Jesus that morning. I prayed a quick prayer on the drive over, but I knew—I was empty. I was about to walk into grief and heartbreak without the reserves I needed. By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit carried me through that moment. But I knew what no one else did: I’m running on fumes.

That day, I learned something vital: you can’t give what you don’t have. Jesus fills us so we can pour out—but more importantly, He wants to be with us simply because He loves us. Our being with Him must come before our doing for Him.