For any readers who had happened to visit Southern California and were there during the New Year, you would probably have been aware of and more than likely have seen the beautiful New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena. Many, too, around the world will have seen the parade this year via their television set.

An amusing thing happened in one year’s parade when one beautifully decorated float suddenly came to a stand-still. It ran out of fuel!

The irony was that this float was entered by and represented the Standard Oil Company–one of the largest fuel companies of North America. With all their vast oil and petroleum resources, they failed to make sure their own vehicle was running on full.

I wonder how often we as Christians with all the vast resources of God and Heaven run on an empty “spiritual tank.” If we daily spend time in worship, praise, God’s Word and prayer, and follow God’s instructions for daily living, we can stay “topped up.” Then our “love, joy and peace” tank would be filled and running over, reflecting God’s Son-shine wherever we go!

— Adapted from Daily Encounter