The Poor in Spirit...not poor in Life

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

The Bible presents many paradoxes that challenge our human way of thinking. We think of the poor as possessing very little, yet Jesus said the riches of heaven belong to the poor in spirit. Self-reliance robs us of God's good gifts.

Jesus insisted that in order to follow Him, we must deny self. As long as we rely on our own resources, we will never place our trust in Him. As we acknowledge the poverty of our souls, we realize how desperately we need a Savior. Jesus declared: “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17). God has so much to give the one who recognizes his need and will call upon Jesus!

Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. He had just encountered the rich ruler, who valued his possessions so much that he could not give them up to follow Jesus (Luke 18:18–24). Jesus later encountered Zacchaeus, a wealthy, notorious sinner (Luke 19:1–10). Despite Zacchaeus's material wealth, he recognized his spiritual poverty and found salvation. Jesus taught the disciples that true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Those who realize their inherent spiritual poverty apart from God will trust in Him, and He will enrich their lives immeasurably. Do not allow your resources, wisdom, talent, or abilities to prevent you from trusting the Person who can bring you abundant life. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

This devotional tends to ask you right away...where do you stand before the Living God?

What drives you?  Why do you work as hard or not as hard as you do?  What's behind your work ethic?  Do you give your best because you work for the Lord or for the preservation of your self esteem and self image?

Many have heard of the old adage of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.  That if you want it you have to go out and get it yourself. 

This doesn't exactly follow with taking up your cross and following Christ. 

Have heard and I won't deny that the words have come out of my mouth as well, that if only I could win the lottery everything would be better. 

No it wouldn't.  Studies of a great many lottery winners have proven that every one had regrets over winning.  It wasn't the grand thing they hoped for it to be. 

As this devotional mentions, the more we have the less we go to God for.  I no longer share that wish for an abundance of wealth.  I pray that we get our bills and mortgage paid off.  After that, aside from what we need, my desire is to help others. 

Even without an abundance of wealth my desire is to help others.  I may not get the opportunity but the desire never leaves. 

The Spirit desires to help us if we but come to Him and ask.  Do you ask?

I have made many mistakes along the way in life concerning my walk with Jesus.  In my eyes the greatest being not asking before proceeding. I still falter in this area but hope that I am getting better. 

As Blackaby said "Do not allow your resources, wisdom, talent, or abilities to prevent you from trusting the Person who can bring you abundant life."

I know nothing more accurate than the truth that Jesus knows infinity more than I  do in any given situation.  I see what I do but he sees every angle of it. Even the true intentions of everyone involved. 

Do you rely on Christ?  I pray for each day, not just each meal.  I am not strong enough to face this world alone.  I am not able to face life without His guidance though the day.  I need His control over my mouth, my mind and my actions.  I have easily proven to myself that I am incapable of mastering this life in any area.  

As I also read in my Bible recently it says that if anyone is to boast in anything  boast in the Lord.  Tell of what He is doing.

Think about what motivates you every day.  What's behind the why of what you do?

Pray for your eyes to be opened.  Way too many, both the believer and unbeliever are walking around either willingly with closed eyes or with eyes that cannot see. 

Everyone whom Christ healed had their Spiritual eyes opened.  It may not have lasted but for a time they could see. 

Ask for your eyes to be opened.  You will then see things differently.  You will begin to find out what it is God has in mind for you.