Poured Out, Not Stored Up
Blessings are meant to move. In Jesus we receive, then pour.
Devotional Credit: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Oswald Chambers draws our eyes to Jesus’ promise in John 7:38. Those who trust Him do not become reservoirs that hoard blessings. They become conduits. What God gives is meant to move through us to others. That picture cuts against our usual hopes for comfort or status. Chambers lovingly reminds us that life in Jesus is not about polishing our personal qualities, it is about His self-giving life flowing through yielded people. Thank you, Oswald, for calling us away from self-preoccupation and back to the simple confidence that Jesus lives in us for others.
Chambers points to Mary of Bethany as a living example. She did not calculate. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it out on Jesus. The room was filled with fragrance while the critics counted the cost. Jesus called her act beautiful. That is the shape of a life offered to Him. It is not waste, it is worship that spreads goodness beyond our ability to measure.
This devotional also clears away a common confusion. Success in the kingdom cannot be measured by what we gather. It is measured by what Jesus pours through us. Our metrics fail here. Fruit is real, but it is His fruit. Our part is availability, not anxious self-effort.
Finally, Chambers urges us to trust that God’s aim is likeness to His Son. Jesus gave Himself. As we abide in Him, He expresses that same self-giving love through our ordinary moments. A text of encouragement, a quiet act of service, a generous gift, a bold but gentle word. The blessing arrives, then keeps going. That is the life of Jesus moving through His people.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I have placed you in My Son so that His life will flow through you. Out of your inner being there is a spring because I am present. You are not called to store what I give. You are called to overflow.
I formed you for this. You have been crucified with Jesus, and you now live by His life. Present yourself to Me as one alive from the dead, and I will make you a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing. I supply grace so that in all things, at all times, you abound for every good work. Do not weigh your worth by visible results. Treasure the fact that I carry this treasure in jars of clay so that the surpassing power is Mine.
Look at Mary who poured out what was precious. She saw My Son worthy. I make your love practical in the same way. I work in you to will and to do what pleases Me. I open doors, and I pour through you words, kindness, generosity, and endurance. When your day ends, rest in this. It is Jesus living in you.
Scripture References: John 7:38, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4-11, Romans 12:1, Romans 6:13, 2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Philippians 2:13, John 15:4-5, Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Timothy 4:6, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:3, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Ephesians 3:20-21.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about a kitchen pitcher with a clean spout. It is designed to receive and then pour. If you keep filling it but never tip it, the contents grow stale. When you tilt it, the table gets water, the cups are filled, and the pitcher is ready to be refilled again. We were made to be like that pitcher.
Try this today. When a need comes across your path, pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment. Pour Your kindness through my words right now.” Then send the encouraging text, share the meal, or offer the ride. Do the simple thing in front of you, trusting Jesus to be the supply.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that in Jesus You have made me a vessel that overflows. You have already given me every spiritual blessing, and You delight to pour through me for others. I rejoice that fruit is Your work, and availability is mine. I rest in Your sufficiency today, grateful that as I yield, the life of Jesus reaches the people You love.