Phil 2:5-11; Luke 1:5-7; 1:26-38

Luke 1:37 - For nothing is impossible with God.

• If you are not experiencing God's Presence and Purpose: You may not be empty enough.
• Jesus knows it is good that it is good for us to feel empty for a while...

3 Observations about Emptiness:

#1 Emptiness is a Gift from God

Phil. 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Empty Hands

One by one He took them from me; All the things I valued most;
Until I was empty-handed, every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth’s highways - grieving; in my rags and poverty.
Until I heard His voice inviting, “Lift those empty hands to me!”
Then I turned my hands toward heaven, and He filled them with a store -
Of His own transcendent riches, ‘til they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended, with my simple mind that’s dull,
…that our God cannot pour His riches - Into hands already full.

#2 Emptiness means that I have a Need I Cannot Meet

The Manger shows us that God is not uptight with our humanity.

The difference between a Strong and a Weak Christians:

• Weak Christians: see God only in the good.
• Strong Christians: see God in the good and in the bad

#3 I may not be Empty Enough

It is possible to have some emptiness but not enough for God to fill you.

Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

Conclusion:

• I Must Admit My Emptiness
  
  Church at Laodicea
  
  Rev. 3:17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.'
  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
  
  
• We Are Called to Reflect God's Light
• Only God can fill you!

Audio File: 

2009-12-20.mp3

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