Worship & Word: Sunday at Empowerment Temple- with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner

Main message: We must let go—empty our hands of anxieties, habits, and idols—so we can draw near to Jesus, open ourselves to His presence, receive what we need (not just what we want), and run the race God has given us.

Key points:

• The Luke 10 Mary/Martha story illustrates two responses: Martha's busy, anxious hands keep her from receiving; Mary emptied herself, sat at Jesus' feet, and received His presence.
• Emptying (dropping burdens) must be followed by drawing closer to God (James 4:8); otherwise people relapse or replace what they dropped with something else.
• Being "empty" is not enough—you must be open; many are empty but unavailable (have conditions, standards, or preferences that block God's provision).
• Open hands receive what God knows you need, not always what you ask for; sometimes Jesus gives presence and compassion rather than explanations.
• Lay aside weights and sins (Hebrews 12:1) so you can run your God-given race; holding the wrong things weakens you over time and can keep you from your calling.
• True surrender includes letting the old self go (Christ’s example on the cross) and trusting Jesus to direct and provide.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 10:38-42, James 4:8, Psalm 34:18, John 11 (including John 11:25), Hebrews 12:1