Easter is a beautiful time when we reflect on the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. You're likely planning a delicious Easter dinner with the family, picking out goodies for the kids or grandkids, and finding that perfect dress for Easter services. This is all wonderful! Yet, what about our hearts? How can we prepare our hearts for Easter?
We must empty to be refilled.
Each year when I pull out my kids' Easter baskets I remove the grass from the previous year. I sift through just to make sure there wasn't a stray Smartie or Jellybean left behind. (Why do I not do this before putting the baskets away?!) One year my sifting found a hard-boiled egg that was forgotten. Yes, I am serious. Before I can fill the baskets with fresh candy and unrotten eggs, I must empty it.
We need to do this with our lives. We need to empty ourselves of unrepented sin and ask forgiveness. We need to empty ourselves of grudges we've held onto. We need to empty our hearts of anything displeasing to God, of laziness from reading the Word, of words that don't honor Him, of selfishness, and of pride.
Think of your precious children. It never fails that your child needs you to pick up something they dropped or tie a shoe right when your hands are full. You are carrying the diaper bag, her purse, a sippy cup, a grocery bag, a toy, and your child asks you to use your full hands to do something. You cannot help your child will full hands. You must empty your hands to pick up more. When our hands and hearts are full of sin and unforgiveness, we can't receive from God. We must empty for God to fill us.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
As you prepare for Easter over the next couple of weeks, begin to empty yourself. Empty so that God can fill you.
It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.
Emptying to be refilled...that's a principle that preaches! (And laughing about the easter grass; I remember those days.)
ReplyDelete"Is There Grace in Accounting?" is my latest post.
https://www.lisanotes.com/grace-in-accounting/
Empty to be refilled. What a great reminder that we cannot receive from God if our hands are already full.
ReplyDeleteMy posts this week are Hurt by the Church {A Letter to a Wounded Friend} https://drmichellebengtson.com/hurt-by-the-church-a-letter-to-a-wounded-friend/.
And, Trusting God in the Storm https://drmichellebengtson.com/in-the-storm/
Great post! I love the idea of being empty and filled with His goodness—especially meaningful at this time of year! We have a link-up going on this post as well, now through Friday 9am. :) Plus, there are some great resources for being intentional about your family time with God. Y'all have a great week! https://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/how-to-be-intentional-about-family-time-with-god
ReplyDeleteSuch a simple yet profound concept - that we need to be emptied of other things to be filled with all God has for us.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a round-up of March happenings (https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/03/31/end-of-march-musings/) and some thoughts about the need to give of ourselves personally in ministering to others (https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/giving-of-ourselves-in-ministry-to-others/).
Ewww! That little surprise sounds wonderful, lol. I love that line, we must empty ourselves so that God can refill us." This is so true. Thank you for the reminder. My post this week was on how to teach the crucifixion to kids http://keepingthetiethatbinds.com/2019/04/02/is-the-crucifixion-of-jesus-too-violent-for-our-kids/
ReplyDeleteYes, and we resist the emptying, don't we. Thanks be to God that He is patient and persevering.
ReplyDeletehttps://michelemorin.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/melody-above-noise-grief/
Definitely need to empty to refill. But don't forget the refill! So important to refuel with Bible Study like this.. https://www.mandyandmichele.com/how-to-have-an-effective-bible-study/
ReplyDelete