"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself . . ." (Philippians 2:5–7a) These ancient words offer a guide for modern Christians wrestling with their privileged place in an unequal and unjust world. The Kenosis Hymn (as this passage quoted by the apostle Paul is known) celebrates Jesus for his willingness to forego the divine glory that he is due, instead humbling himself to serve the oppressed and outcast of his society. Through a combination of in-depth Bible study and social analysis, Filled to Be Emptied invites readers to explore the hymn verse by verse and see Jesus' self-emptying example as a model for privileged people to see their advantages not “as something to be exploited” but as something to be laid aside to seek the good of others. Brandan J. Robertson walks readers through a step-by-step process of identifying their privilege, exploring their privilege, and ultimately leveraging their privilege as a tool for the liberation and redemption of the world. Filled to Be Emptied is an essential book for all followers of Christ who are seeking to live lives of justice.

It's amazing how heavy the weight of emptiness can feel, how much room it can take up in our souls, how much pain can be caused by something that isn't even there.But while we may see the emptiness of our lives as our greatest problem, that's not how God sees it. When God looks into the empty places of our lives, He sees His greatest opportunity. God does His best work in the emptiness of our . . . Insatiable craving for things that don't satisfy Relational disappointments and loneliness Frustrated search for purpose and meaning Relentless desire for comfort and security Ongoing struggle to live with loss and unfulfilled dreams Join Nancy Guthrie in discovering why emptiness has never been, and never will be, a problem to God. As Nancy pulls back the curtain on God's work to fill up emptiness as revealed throughout the Bible, you'll experience page after page of grace and hope that your emptiness can and will be filled. You'll begin to see that God really does do His best work with empty--as he fills it with Himself.

For writer, professor, and activist Marlena Graves, formation and justice always intertwine on the path to a balanced life of both action and contemplation. Drawing on the rich traditions of Eastern and Western Christian saints, she describes the process of emptying herself that allows her to move upward toward God and become the true self that God calls her to.

“A must-read for anyone interested in moving from inspiration to action.” —Cal Newport, author of So Good They Can’t Ignore You Most of us fill our days with frantic activity, bouncing from task to task, scrambling to make deadlines and chase the next promotion. But by the end of each day we’re often left wondering if any of it really mattered. We feel the ticking of the clock, but we’re unsure of the path forward. Die Empty is a tool for people who aren’t willing to put off their most important work for another day. Todd Henry explains the forces that lead to stagnation and introduces practices that will keep you on a true and steady course. The key is embracing the idea that time is finite, so you should focus on the unique contribution to the world that only you can make. Henry shows how to sustain your enthusiasm, push through mental barriers, and unleash your best work each day.

Having lost my beloved wife at the end of 2010, I understand the pain that's experienced when a spouse or partner gets carried away by death. Stricken with an acute form of Leukemia, Malinda became very ill. I never really believed that she'd die; she was too healthy, and we were way too much in love for her to go anywhere. I moved into the hospital with her so that I could be her support until she recovered and we would finally be able to go home. It was about five months from the time we first entered the hospital that I began to wonder if she might not overthrow the cancerous curse that plagued her. I began to wonder what I'd do if she really did go away. What does a man do when his better half is taken from him? I knew that if she died I'd be devastated, but I had no idea of the degree of pain I would soon be experiencing. Throughout Malinda's hospital stay, I often told her that if I could, I'd take the pain away from her. It was on December 16th, 2010 that she lost the battle, and I had to keep my promise; it was time for me to take the pain. I hurt so badly. I knew that suicide was not the answer, yet it beckoned me daily. I desperately searched my universe for comfort in any other form--anything that would help me breathe again. After a great deal of pain, suffering and soul searching, I began to discover how to avoid some of the "land mines" that would suddenly bombard my brain each time I felt like I might be able to go on. I was able to learn how to cope, and eventually I knew that I could go on surviving. I also knew that it was my responsibility to help others who were passing through the same type of agony. What I went through doesn't make me an expert on dealing with grief--it makes me a survivor with a story to tell. A story, in fact, that will be of great help to those who find themselves mourning the loss of a spouse, partner or of anyone they loved. Filling Empty is a book of hope. It explains how to fill a heart once it's been emptied. It's the book that I wish I'd had when Malinda transitioned from body to spirit. It's a compilation of experiences that I passed through, as well as those of others who have endured the same type of loss. It is also a reminder that our loved ones are still nearby, and how we can recognize and enhance our awareness of their spiritual presence. Filling Empty is designed to help the reader realize that: - They are not alone--many are passing through the same type of pain - Their loved ones have not gone far--their spirits linger nearby - There really is happiness after loss--the light at the tunnel that seems so absent, will eventually be visible Each year approximately 56 million people die, leaving loved ones behind to grieve their loss. So many of these grievers don't know where to turn; nor do they know how to seek the relief for which they so long. They can be happy again, but they must first learn how to fill their empty hearts.

For a Marriage That Brims Over Maybe you entered marriage with some pretty high expectations—most couples do. Jonathan and Wynter Pitts did. Until the reality of married life spilled into their expectations. Jonathan and Wynter invite you on a journey to explore a different approach to your happily-ever-after marriage. Join them for an honest look at the lessons learned as they navigated the ups and downs of early marriage while raising four daughters. Here you will... be encouraged to remove the pressure of a keeping-up-with-the-Joneses marriage learn to let go of assumptions and embrace your role as servant-leader to your spouse experience how God can pour His purpose, passion, and fullness into your relationship Emptied is a way of life. It’s not about trying harder, it’s about thinking differently. Only when you are emptied of your own self-focused motivations can God pour new life into you for the abundant marriage and satisfying relationship you long for. Are you ready to approach your marriage poured out, ready to be filled up?

We all find ourselves living with the harsh reality thatlife is hard and life hurts.We continually demand that life be fair,yet we're well aware that it's not. Life can leave you at a loss for words. It has a way of suddenly casting you into the darkness of doubt. In these desperate moments, you find your soul being drained dry . . . you're empty . . . and faith just doesn't seem to matter anymore. Faith loses out when you realize that God could have done something . . . and He did nothing. Your life is further emptied when you realize that even if you live the "Christian" life, things don't always turn out the way you'd like them to . . . and that's not the way you hoped faith worked. You don't want God to comfort you in your troubles . . . you want Him to take them from you. As God continually frustrates our faith with His constant inconsistency and ridiculously draining unpredictability, we resolve in the truth that He is the only one who understands our hurting hearts, empty lives, and searching souls. We find the ongoing trials of life continually draining us and . . . we're thirsty.Yet, through our endless efforts to quench our undying thirst, nothing satisfies.Our souls seem to be insatiable, and we knowwe desperately need something to fill us, completely . . . but it's not what we think. You've been waiting for God to show up,yet He's actually been waiting for you.He's ready to meet with you . . .one on one . . .at the well.