‘God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.’ Matthew 5:6-12(NLT)
‘Praise the Lord , who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me. O Lord , what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?’ Psalms 144:1-3(NLT)
‘And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ‘ Colossians 3:15-16(NLT)
She is poor in spirit, aware she has nothing to bring, utterly dependent on God. She mourns over her sin and the sin of those in the world around her. She is meek but definitely not weak. She hungers and thirsts after righteousness. She is merciful to others even when they severely wrong her. She is pure in heart. She desires peace and seeks it in her relationships. She is persecuted for the message she brings and the righteousness she lives.
Is it even possible to live this way? Yes! Through the power of God! By faith believers of old accessed the all-powerful resources of their mighty God. Like them, we too can accomplish great and unimaginable feats as we follow God by faith, trusting in His power. This can be as simple as learning how to love Him by doing the laundry or loving our spouse and kids. Through the gate of the poverty of spirit we enter a whole new world.
PRAISE HIM
Read Psalm 144:1-3. Praise God for His mighty deeds to perform on your behalf, training and equipping you to live for Him. Oh, that He would even think of us!
ADMIT TO HIM
Lay before the Lord any areas or situations in which you find yourself doubting God’s power and faithfulness or where you attempt to “solve” things in your own strength.
THANK HIM
Read Colossians 3:15-16. Thank Him for choosing to save us, for granting us Christ, and for His plan to demonstrate His love for us now and forever.
ASK HIM
Ask the Lord now, in faith, to help you trust Him, to not accept an average faith, and to persevere in living a life surrendered to Him.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 7