My World Cup Runneth Over

The world is a very large place to be spotlighted in, but place a cup in the middle of South Africa that many countries desire to obtain, and you have “Soccer Extravaganza” or preferably “World Cup Football”. The anticipation mounted each day for soccer fans all over the planet as they watched each country compete for the title of best in the world. I can’t imagine the pressure one must feel knowing the whole world watched you miss the goal by six inches that would have made the difference in the outcome of an elimination match. The facial expressions revealed the disappointment of knowing they will never get that shot back!

I have followed this World Cup more than any other World Cup competitions in times past. At first I was not sure why, but I remember having this thought, “My World Cup Runneth Over” about two weeks before the competition began. So, as the games got underway I noticed obvious signs of why God put that in my heart. I was refreshed to see how certain players were bold about their faith, and unashamed to lift up the name of Jesus in the public arena as they gave the glory to God for their strength of the game. Talk about sending a clear message around the world for all to see, I love it, and I am sure that God takes note of it as well.

The Psalmist “King David” in Psalm 23:4-6 (KJV) gives his perspective of God’s love in the expression located in verse 5. 4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Throughout these scriptures we notice the confidence that King David expresses about his relationship with the Lord. No matter what the situation he knew that God was with him, so with confidence he proclaimed that my God is for me, and He will take care of me in spite of the evil that surrounds me.  Verse: 5 is the portion of scripture that highlights the cup, and is the key word expressed in this blog.

Let’s think of our life as a container that God desires to pour into, or a cup for that matter. Here we are on this earth but for a short time in comparison to eternity. We encounter God though His son Jesus, and then God starts pouring new life into us, or taking us to the next level in our walk with him! We embrace this new change that we are experiencing. Everything feels like we are starting over, brand new if you will! So we stop and look back to measure how far we have moved away from the former person that we used to be.

Unaware of the enemy’s devices and distractions we promote human reasoning instead of the voice of God, so our interaction shifts to this type of dialogue. “God, I really want to thank you for all the progress that has taken place in me! I really like the development of my walk with you, and this feeling of accomplishment is wonderful”. Then God responds to us and says,“I want to fill you to overflowing”. We answer, “Well God I think I am fine with just topping it off at the rim for right now”.

God never stopped pouring, we just stopped receiving. So we settle for, “mostly full”, rather than, “running over” in our relationship with Him. You see, “almost full” will satisfy us for a while, but running over will cause us to be, “Rivers of Living Water” to a parched and thirsty world. Only a purposeful drink from the river of life, “Jesus Christ”, can quench our, thirsty soul, sustain us, and provide assistance to those around us. The extended blessings that follow us are called “Goodness and Mercy”.

We can live in the overflow with God, but we must abstain from switching to another source for our filling. Every time that we push back from God, we create a space for something else to take His place. It is a great deception to, “draw from the well of the secular system”, and pour into our, “Cup of Life” a substitute and expect that transfusion to have the same benefit that God would provide. The attempt falls short of ever reaching the, “rim of fulfillment”.

If you are experiencing a drought just re-position your heart to receive His communion, and suddenly you will notice that He is pouring once again and energizing your life. Remember, there is nothing that you can do to purchase His Love or forgiveness except receive it. When God fills you to overflowing it will naturally come out. He positions you at the right place, and the right time to show out large in your life. You know, that special moment when the world is watching, suddenly, “God Runneth Over for the world to see.”

I have included some special moments caught from the 2010 World Cup, and some of the pictures and quotes from news article of the elite Soccer players that are not ashamed of God running over in their life! Friday, June 11, 2010, the FIFA World Cup embarked on 30 days of football (soccer) played in 10 stadiums scattered over 9 cities. They estimated that over 300,000 visitors from all parts of the world would attend. This translated into 2.74 million spectators with a TV audience of some 40 billion projected views watching the 200 hours of football. Half the world was able to watch the finals with a potential 3.3 billion people glued to their sets. In addition a further 14 million visitors watched the games on Big Screens at the fan parks. Christian groups and churches mobilized to take advantage of the opportunity for evangelism presented by the World Cup.

USA Has a Bold Man on the Team                                   Brazilian star Kaka is not ashamed of his faith



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