Send Me the Bill!
Philippians 2:17-18, Devotion #11

But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18
                                                
Father, A. W. Tozer wrote a little booklet, Five Vows for Spiritual Power. His concluding comments are:

          In America – maybe in other places, too – so many people are saying,
          "Try Jesus, try God!" Triflers, experimenters, tasters they are. Like a
          rabbit with a half dozen holes so if one is stopped up he can flee to
          another! No! From the cross there is no place to flee. You don't 'try'
          Jesus. He's not there to be experimental with. Christ is not on trial. You
          are. I am. He's not! God raised Him from the dead and forever confirmed
          His deity and sealed Him and set Him at His own right hand as Lord and
          Christ. Turn everything over to Him and you'll find your life begin to lift.
          You'll blossom in a wonderful way.

Now, if you happen to be one of those on whom God had laid His hand for a deeper life, a more powerful life, a fuller life, then I wonder if you would be willing to pray this kind of prayer: "O God, glorify Thyself at my expense. Send me the bill – anything, Lord. I set no price. I will not dicker or bargain. Glorify Thyself. I'll take the consequence."

This kind of praying is simple, but it's deep and wonderful and powerful. I believe, if you can pray a prayer like that, it will be the ramp from which you can take off into higher heights and bluer skies in the things of the Spirit.

Father, there is no doubt that praying that prayer is praying that one's life be "poured out" any way You desire. May we be used in whatever way you choose to use us. May You be glorified! Oh yea, the five vows Tozer writes about are: 1. Deal thoroughly with sin. 2. Never own anything ("I do not mean by this that you cannot have things. I mean that you ought to get delivered from the sense of possessing them.") 3. Never defend yourself. 4. Never pass anything on about anybody else that will hurt him. 5. Never accept any glory. Come Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad / Danny