iCrucified

Last week’s meditations had a theme centered on “emptying” and this week’s theme has been “being filled.” I thought I’d share some of the highlights of my meditations from this week as we head into the weekend.

Jan. 12 – Deep-Rooted in Christ weekly meditation: Be filled with Christ.

“Our lives should be a channel of grace from the Father, a life poured out in service and love” Joshua Choonmin Kang

Psalm of Response: Honor the LORD, you sons of God; honor the LORD for His glory and strength. Honor the LORD for the glory of His name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. (Psalm 29:1-2)

“This is the message of good news for the people of Israel-that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36)

Jan. 13 – Deep-Rooted in Christ weekly meditation: Be filled with Christ.

“Our ministry is to be filled to the brim (with Christ), followed by a majestic overflowing…sharing Jesus with others.” Joshua Choonmin Kang

“The metathemes (of fasting from the Biblical perspective) associate fasting with living in or returning to the sustaining presence of God.”  Kent D. Berghuis; Christian Fasting: A Theological Approach

Jan. 15 – Deep-Rooted in Christ weekly meditation: Be filled with Christ.

“Let yourself be filled…” Joshua Choonmin Kang

Today is day 11 of a concentrated exercise of living in the sustaining presence of God. I am not experiencing any unnatural signs of stress or fatigue, but sense an abundance of grace and recognize my being carried by the sustaining presence of God. I am continuing with an attitude of expectancy as God carries me through this journey.

Psalm of Response: He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God…I take joy in doing your will, O God, for Your instructions are written on my heart. (Psalm 40:1-11)

Chronological Reading: Genesis 37-41

• Gen. 39:2 -The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did…
• Gen. 39:21 -The Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love…
• Gen. 39:23 -The Lord was with him (Joseph) and caused everything he did to succeed…

“The Lord was with Joseph” and FILLED him.

Gen. 41:38 - “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the Spirit of God?” asked Pharaoh.

Joseph began an arduous and lengthy process of “emptying” in his life from the moment he was “sold” into slavery by his brothers until he was freed from an Egyptian prison. During this time, as he was being emptied of himself, he was being sustained by and filled with the Spirit and Presence of God.

God grant me your Spirit and Presence with this same measure. Give me strength to empty myself so I might be filled completely with You. Amen