MONDAY September 19, 2022 

Emptying Yourself 

And they [Christ’s disciples] were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4

Before you can be used as a witness for Christ, and used by Him in a mighty way, He has to pour into you more of His Holy Spirit. Before He fills you to overflowing, He is going to ask you to empty yourself. An examination of your life must take place. Every secret area of your life is laid bare before Him. When you feel conviction for something hidden, lay that sin at the Cross. 

When you empty yourself like this, God can pour more of Himself into you. He will fill you to overflowing with His Holy Spirit––like a river overflowing its banks. The Holy Spirit will fill you with joy, peace and love. Do you have evidence of being filled with God’s Spirit, or are you grieving His Spirit because you are filled with something else––sin? 

King David said: ...my cup runs over (Psalm 23:5). Sometimes I see people who look like their cup is running dry. Can you tell what level the Holy Spirit is in your life? Is your cup half empty, or is your cup full and overflowing? Your cup needs to be running over! Then you can give abundantly to others from what is running over from your life. You will give people Christ, by sharing how God has done a miraculous work in you. 

Truthfully, it is not what you can do for God; it is what He has done for you already. It is important not to strive in trying to accomplish things for God. Pray, wait and worship––rest in His love, grace and mercy. Allow God to do the work in you and through you as you submit yourself to His leading. 

Listen for His voice. Accomplish His will by obedience. The English word obedience in Hebrew means “to hear.” Literally it means “submission to what is heard.” In fact, seven times in Revelation 2-3, it says: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Are you hearing and submitting to the will of God for your life? 

If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with His love.
~Charles Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!