Starting off with the Beatitudes--"The Poor in Spirit"

Hi Friends~

As I stated in the last post, we are going to look at the Beatitudes from the writings of different Pastors who shared their thoughts in the Disciple Journal in November/December, 2003.  I will be sharing excerpts from their writing to keep this to a one cup of tea or coffee size reading!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5:3)

The Pastor who wrote for the Disciple Journal on this topic is David W. Henderson.  This Pastor went away on a weekend retreat to spend some quiet time with God.  He met up with other Pastors before hand, and heard about some quality time they had at previous outings.  He felt bad because he had been swimming, paddling hiking, napping and very little time, according to him seeking His face.  So, the last night, he climbed up on top of the bunk house's roof, and stared at the stars.  He thought of a Scripture he had tucked into his mind years before.

"You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me my gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and a white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."

(Rev. 3:17-18)

It was there that he slipped from his disappointment to praise!  Yes!  I thought! It is here that I derive my ability to lead.  I serve because God Saved me from myself---and Saves me still--not because I merit the office.  He had renewed in me a heart of gratitude.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Besides calling the Disciples to stop whatever job they were doing and  follow Him instead...the first real words Jesus said to them was the above Verse. Pastor Henderson concluded that accepting Jesus' teaching requires at least two things of us: acknowledging our impoverished condition and depending upon God's plentiful provision.  Yet, all that we have is a gift.

In ourselves, we are incapable of doing anything that will endure.

"It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves.  Our only power and success come from God."  (2 Cor. 3:5)

Coming up short and knowing it:  that is what it means to be poor.  And that's what God wants us to see.  I have, I am nothing.

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Well, I think we will stop here as for reading about the first part of the Scripture:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, "  Soon we will learn a bit more about the second half of this Beatitude.  "...for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

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On Thursday we will announce the Winner of the He IS Able  Card Set of the Week!  Please leave your comments or prayer requests in the comment section.  This will make you eligible to win 1-5 Cards if you are randomly chosen!  We do need an address in the US to mail packages to you.  I am so sorry about that.  Especially since we have more readers from outside the United States than we do in the US!  We are glad you are here!  God bless!

He IS Able!

Traci S.