Poured Out For Christ

On this Fast and Pray Wednesday I’m reflecting on this past weekend’s Women’s Retreat – one of the sessions that hit home for me was “Joy in the Offering – Rejoicing and Being Poured Out for Christ”.  How fitting just last night in Community Group we discussed how we can truly find the life that God desires for us to live when we lose control of ourselves.
 
Philippians 2: 17-18
But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God.  And I want all of you to share that joy.  Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share in your joy.
 
Mathew 16: 24-26
The Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will find it.  What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
 
Father God, we praise You for who You are – You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and You are faithful.  We praise You that we have the privilege of serving You.  We pray that You would help us to find joy in pouring out ourselves to You and giving up control of our lives to find the life You want for us.  In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
Your Sister In Christ,
Naomi