Spent for the Meal

January 12, 2026

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.” — Mark 8:35

This makes no sense to the human mind.

Jesus isn’t talking about being physically alive or dead — He’s talking about spiritual life.

We think if we hoard our time, protect our comfort, and keep our distance from people, we’ll preserve our lives. But in God’s plan, that’s how we become stale — overprotected, underused, never shared.

Mark 8:35 tells us the secret of the Kingdom:

Life is found by being poured out.

You can’t cook food without prep and pouring it into the skillet or pot.The carrot that refuses the knife never becomes part of the soup.

In the same way, the man who refuses to surrender never experiences God’s fullness.

Brothers, don’t hold and hide your gift — whatever it may be. Pour it into others. Use it. Give it away.

Don’t cling to the raw version of your life — cook it.

(These quotes the Lord gives me would make great T-shirts!)

When we try to save our own lives:

• We protect our pride

• We avoid sacrifice

• We keep control

And slowly we lose the very joy and purpose we were designed for. There is no greater joy than helping or encouraging someone.

But when we lay our lives on the altar —“Lord, use me, change me, spend me for Your glory” —He turns us into something far better than we could ever be on our own.

A life surrendered becomes a feast that feeds many.(Okay… another T-shirt.)

Action Step

Ask yourself: What am I still holding back from God — my time, talent, money, or comfort?

Take one concrete step today to serve, give, or surrender it.

Because in God’s kitchen, the man willing to be poured out is the one who ends up truly full.

Standing with you,

Chef Bob