It Only Looks Empty

It Only Looks Empty

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas May 24, 2026 Duration: 31:34

Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

We tend to fill the buckets of our lives with things that, in the end, fail us—these things are empty of the promises they held for us when we acquired them—but they weigh a lot. Though there are plenty of things that leave us feeling empty, we can fill our buckets with things that leave us feeling fulfilled. How much does hope weigh? Or love? Or a child’s smile? Or a hand to hold when you are waiting to be taken to the operating room? Or a hug when the world seems to be crumbling around you? Or a willingness to risk your life for something more important than you are? 

This is one of life’s great paradoxes: what matters most often cannot be seen at all? The world trains us to chase what is visible and measurable, but the soul is nourished by what is eternal. A person can possess everything the world applauds and still feel profoundly empty. Another person may own very little and yet radiate peace, joy, and purpose because their bucket is filled with things that cannot be taken away. If your bucket is full of love, hope, grace, friendship, courage, and self-giving service, then your life is filled with treasures untouched by time, gravity, or even death.


Each week, the sanctuary of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, becomes a source of spiritual reflection and grounded wisdom. This audio collection presents the traditional worship services and sermons from that sacred space. You’ll hear the thoughtful, scripturally-rooted preaching of Senior Minister Rev. Paul Rasmussen and Rev. Matt Tuggle, whose messages connect ancient faith to contemporary life with clarity and compassion. This podcast offers a consistent point of connection and contemplation, delivering the full experience of a Sunday service directly to you. It’s more than just a weekly talk; it’s an invitation into a community of faith that values tradition, deep thinking, and meaningful worship. Whether you’re a longtime member, a seeker exploring Christian thought, or someone who finds solace in structured liturgy and substantive sermons, these recordings provide a reliable rhythm of inspiration. Tune in for a moment of peace, a challenge to grow, and the enduring resonance of traditional Methodist worship, captured and shared for your journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship)
Podcast Episodes
A Rhythm of Remembrance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:31
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. We live in a world full of reminders. The local news reminds us of what is happening in our community. Social media reminds us that it is our friend…
Restored [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you ever failed, really failed? It’s an awful feeling. Failure can leave us embarrassed, disappointed in ourselves, feeling like an imposter,…
We [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:37
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Human beings are created for connection. True life is found not in isolation but in communities shaped by grace, forgiveness, and love. We see tha…
Real Rest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What, or who, fills your tank? We’re not talking about your car. We’re talking about your soul, your spirit, your body, and your energy. What helps…
Bet Ab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:51
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide When you think of “the Father’s house,” you may think about the children’s song talking about it as a big, big house with lots and lots of rooms, o…
The Joy of Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In Hebrews 12, we are invited to “throw off everything that hinders” and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” keeping our eyes fixed…
Again I Say: In All These Things [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Is there a more iconic Bible verse than Philippians 4:13? It is one of the most recogniza…
Again I Say: Take Account [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:36
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. We're all keeping score. Naturally, we are creating a daily curated account of what our lives look like and what we tend to dwell on. Whether that is…
Again I Say: The Presence of Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:08
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide When we think about peace, we tend to think that peace is the absence of problems, conflict, or worry. We tell ourselves, “I’ll finally have peace whe…
Again I Say [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:46
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice." This Scripture, along with many other famous verses, all come from one singular chapter in…