Philippians 2:15b-18 …you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

I’m home for a couple days – a short break from The Rock and Worship Roadshow Tour I’m on this month – before heading out again. This time to the West Coast.

I pulled into my driveway early this morning – empty.

I hesitate to use that word because…my mom and dad are reading. They worry about me breaking down from doing too much. But don’t worry mom…

This empty isn’t burned out, but poured out.

Like Paul was “poured out” like a drink offering, giving his time and talent to fill the Christians in Philippi with truth and love.

Like Jesus who raised the glass of wine at the table with his disciples and said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Every blessing we’re given is an opportunity to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). But if we grip the gifts tightly, if we don’t let them go and pour ourselves out, we stagnate – growing sour on life and everything in it.

But if we pour?

Our empty isn’t cause for concern, but for celebration, to “be glad and rejoice” that we’ve been useful, a blessing given. Used up to be refilled and poured out again.

Our Prayer

God, thank you for pouring out your Son for us and your Spirit in us. Pour your love and life out of us until we are empty. Then fill us again. Amen.