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: 100

HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship)
Podcast Episodes
Thanksgiving and the People We Share It With [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Thanksgiving is a time for abundant activity. And for many, one of the more common activities is getting together with THOSE PEOPLE. You know what I mean—THOSE PEOPLE—t…
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Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. I am my own worst enemy! Have you ever felt that way about yourself? Maybe in one of those moments when you end up somewhere you really don't want to be because you've…
The Inheritance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. This week, we are finishing the story of the Good Samaritan—a story that begins with a question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” That’s a big question. It is…
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Duration: 22:51
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Everyone knows the story of the Good Samaritan. They could practically tell it in their sleep. It’s the classic tale of helping your neighbor. There’s nothing to add to…
Dealing With Guilt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you ever done something and then felt guilty about it? Whether we deny it or face it head-on, we’ve come up with a million ways to deal with the guilt. Guilt can b…
Not What I Planned [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. God is good, all the time! And, all the time, God is good! We believe that. We proclaim that. But c'mon... Aren't there days when you feel like you've lost all momentum…
Even When [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:15
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. You have nothing to fear! Has anyone ever said that to you when you were fearful of something? And they probably meant well. They were just trying to calm you down by m…
Too Small [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Time to Celebrate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:24
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. It's time to celebrate! When Project Mockingbird began, we invited you to be part of the "echo" in order to continue the great work of HPUMC over the past 109 years, bo…
Who Is Your Neighbor? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. There is extraordinary power in partnership. Two partners, with synergy and collaboration, can yield extraordinary results. That’s why our church loves joining together…