A Heart Hollowed Out

Jim Manney's Blog 

 

A Heart Hollowed Out

by Jim Manney

A reflection for Tuesday in Holy Week:

A cup must be empty before it can be filled. If it is already full, it can’t be filled again except by emptying it out. In order to fill anything, there must be a hollowed-out space. Otherwise it can’t receive.

This is especially true of God’s word. In order to receive it, we must be hollowed out. We must be capable of receiving it, emptied of the false self and its endless demands.

When Christ came, there was no room in the inn. It was full. The inn is a symbol of the heart. God’s word, Christ, can take root only in a hollow.

I like this analogy. It is very true. 

I remember how I want to renew myself. I realized that the first thing I need to do is to get rid of "expectations" of myself. I feel like it's damaging because if I don't meet my personal expectations then I am so hard on myself and it can be very depressing.  It is very liberating to let go and surrender to God but it is also very tempting to get back to your "old self". That's why I feel having a journal is very important. Unnecessary thoughts can go in there and stay in there.

 I need to empty it out and let God fill it completely -- like a cup :) You can't go wrong with that.


Billy Graham- April 19 - Depend on Him

To walk in the Spirit is a challenging and inspiring exercise, for it combines activity with relaxation. To walk means to place one foot in front of the other. If you stop doing this, you are no longer walking—you are standing still. Walking always implies movement, progress, and direction. Sin shall no longer rule or dominate you when you are allowing the Holy Spirit to live Christ’s life through you. It is living by faith, living by trust, living in dependence upon God.

If we look to our own resources, our own strength, or our own ability, as Peter did when he walked on the water, we will fail. You cannot live the Christian life by yourself. The Holy Spirit must live in you and express Himself through you. Living for Christ is a day-by-day experience. It is a continuous dependence upon the Spirit of God. It is believing in His faithfulness.

Prayer for the day

Lord, so often I have walked on my own instead of walking in Your Spirit. Guide my footsteps this day, I pray in Jesus’ name.

I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.
–Galatians 5:16 (TLB)


Obama's Easter with Religious Leaders

I am not happy with today's politics and not too crazy about what the democrats/republicans have done but I find comfort in  knowing that Obama is having an Easter with pastors from all over the country to talk about getting closer with the Lord in time of crisis.   Thought you would like to know too.