Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Matthew 5:3, The Amplified Bible
I have made the mistake of striving for stuff in place of first seeking the kingdom of heaven. My earthly kingdom building is a tireless endeavor that wearies the soul, frazzles emotions, kills the body and puts relationships at risk. Those who die rich with worldly wealth but spiritually bankrupt are poor indeed. Those who die with true riches but materially poor are rich indeed. “I have nothing to bring, but simply to the cross of Christ do I cling.” With Jesus I experience His true riches. Yes, the kingdom of heaven is possessed by those who are possessed by God!
Jesus rocks the religious world by describing the humble in heart as those who are truly happy. To be poor in spirit is to be humble in heart. Advancement in the kingdom of heaven comes from downward mobility to the feet of our Master Jesus. The way up is down. We are to decrease and He is to increase. The poor in spirit are rich in what matters most: salvation, relationships, peace, forgiveness, grace, kindness, love and laughter. Because their soul is pregnant with humility they birth grace and love into lives around them. We die rich by becoming poor in spirit in this life.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Can those wealthy in worldly goods also be poor in spirit? Yes of course, but it is harder because they have more competition for their affection and devotion to their heavenly Father. This is why Jesus said it is hard (not impossible) for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:23-25). If you desire to be poor in spirit seek first the kingdom of God. By faith, tear down the walls of fear that isolate you from intimacy with others. In childlike trust come to Christ with your dreams and ambitions. We die rich when we die to ourselves and live for Christ. Death precedes true riches.
Above all, cultivate a heart of humility. Humility facilitates happiness. A healthy perspective of ourselves in proportion to the Lord positions us to be blessed and to be a blessing. We capitulate to Christ and He moves us forward by faith. Grace floods a humble heart and sustains it during severe suffering. It passes the test of prosperity with a generous spirit and learns to be content when neither rich nor poor. Humility serves. It gives up its right to be right, so a relationship can be made right. We die rich by giving away our life, and in the process we enjoy an abundant life!
“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use my poverty of spirit to make others rich in Your grace and love.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
I have made the mistake of striving for stuff in place of first seeking the kingdom of heaven. My earthly kingdom building is a tireless endeavor that wearies the soul, frazzles emotions, kills the body and puts relationships at risk. Those who die rich with worldly wealth but spiritually bankrupt are poor indeed. Those who die with true riches but materially poor are rich indeed. “I have nothing to bring, but simply to the cross of Christ do I cling.” With Jesus I experience His true riches. Yes, the kingdom of heaven is possessed by those who are possessed by God!
Jesus rocks the religious world by describing the humble in heart as those who are truly happy. To be poor in spirit is to be humble in heart. Advancement in the kingdom of heaven comes from downward mobility to the feet of our Master Jesus. The way up is down. We are to decrease and He is to increase. The poor in spirit are rich in what matters most: salvation, relationships, peace, forgiveness, grace, kindness, love and laughter. Because their soul is pregnant with humility they birth grace and love into lives around them. We die rich by becoming poor in spirit in this life.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Can those wealthy in worldly goods also be poor in spirit? Yes of course, but it is harder because they have more competition for their affection and devotion to their heavenly Father. This is why Jesus said it is hard (not impossible) for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:23-25). If you desire to be poor in spirit seek first the kingdom of God. By faith, tear down the walls of fear that isolate you from intimacy with others. In childlike trust come to Christ with your dreams and ambitions. We die rich when we die to ourselves and live for Christ. Death precedes true riches.
Above all, cultivate a heart of humility. Humility facilitates happiness. A healthy perspective of ourselves in proportion to the Lord positions us to be blessed and to be a blessing. We capitulate to Christ and He moves us forward by faith. Grace floods a humble heart and sustains it during severe suffering. It passes the test of prosperity with a generous spirit and learns to be content when neither rich nor poor. Humility serves. It gives up its right to be right, so a relationship can be made right. We die rich by giving away our life, and in the process we enjoy an abundant life!
“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use my poverty of spirit to make others rich in Your grace and love.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
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