Thursday January 19, 2023

Today is Thursday, January 19 and we are exploring what it means to be full and empty for Christ.

In the quiet dawn I seek the fullness of God’s presence. I empty myself of numerous concerns, dismiss presupposed priorities and relinquish the chatter of my mind. I focus on the God who loves me and wants the best for me. Jesus, I long to be yours.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty. Amen. (The Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, part 1)

I seek God as a new day dawns and praise him for his loving compassion with the words of Psalm 116.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:5-7

Pause and Pray

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul offers a time of self-reflection. In chapter three he itemizes his many achievements. He had a fine Jewish pedigree, status as a Pharisee, and followed the Law perfectly. His rank and accomplishments once meant a great deal to him. They held significant value and importance in his life. The very things that were once central to Paul’s purpose and identity, he discards. The value of knowing Jesus Christ is far better. Paul describes how he came to empty himself of what he previously thought held great value. Consequently Paul considers his former status and achievements as garbage – refuse that is fit only to be thrown out onto the street.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Paul’s words still ring true. These verses cut close to home. The human tendency is to establish status by means of personal accomplishment and worldly achievement. It is all too easy for me to get wrapped up in “things” – not only tangible things like money, possessions, a big house, and expensive car, but also intangibles like reputation, fame, power, position, status, achievement and accomplishment. Paul invites me to examine my own store house of worldly values and throw them into the trash can. I have spiritually outgrown these tiny status symbols; they are rubbish. I empty myself so I can more fully realize the treasured goodness of Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Ask: What did I chase after in the past that now seems inconsequential to me? What titles of status and rewards of accomplishment is it time to relinquish in order to more fully realize Christ?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, forgive me for striving after the things of this world. What I once considered valuable I now realize is worthless compared to a relationship with you. For your sake I empty myself of all temporal things and consider them garbage. I pray to be yours and be found in you, not having a righteousness attained in my own effort but a holiness that comes through faith and sanctifying grace. I read the words from Philippians again and listen for the message you have for me.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Paul utilizes the words of a commercial accountant – gain and loss. What was once on the plus side of the balance sheet of my life is transferred to the loss column because of Christ. My relationship with Jesus offers a stark awakening into what is of true value. I am invited to examine every part of my life and determine the ultimate worth of every section. I ponder how this exercise informs my understanding of empty and full in light of my life with Jesus. How do I need to empty myself in order to receive a spiritual fullness beyond my comprehension?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I invite you into the recesses of my soul and offer up the empty places that I have mistakenly filled with the attractive things of this world. I reject what is worthless and ask you to reveal the treasure of the kingdom that is truly worth seeking. Teach me how to be empty so that I can be filled. Amen.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Matthew 13:44

I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3

I leave this time of prayer seeking true kingdom treasure; I go to share the joy of God with everyone I meet.

Amen