The Beatitudes are rich examples of God’s ways versus man’s ways.
The first one says:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Poor is an adjective we consider to be negative, whether it describes finances, education, looks, health, or other conditions.
But God flips all things on end. His ways are not the ways of the world (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The poor in spirit have the attitude of the tax collector in the temple (Luke 18:9-14). They understand their sinful state and their need for God’s grace.
They see themselves as poor beggars holding out their hands to a merciful God. They repent easily and genuinely, and they show similar grace to other sinners.
They may be wealthy or poor, known or unknown, learned or unschooled, but they are humble enough to take their place at the foot of Christ’s cross.
They don’t question God’s punishments, commands, or ways. They know that He is God and they aren’t.
Are you poor in spirit, dear reader?
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One thing that keeps us from being poor in Spirit is our failure to repent. I encourage you to read 8 Elements of Repentance and Restoration.
💙 If you enjoy Bible Love Notes one-minute devotions, I think you'll enjoy the Bible Love Note's hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life. Check out the sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.
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By mistake I deleted this comment, so I am posting it myself. "Unknown" wrote: "
ReplyDeleteThanks for illuminating a seldom understood beatitude."
I appreciate that encouragement, Unknown.
Are these available in printed form? I'd love to start a Journal/Study Notebook and include your Bible Love Notes in it. I see some are Printer Friendly, but not all of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do for His Kingdom and sharing these studies.
Hi Cathy,
DeleteI'm sorry, the Bite Size Bible studies are on a printable program, but not the Bible Love Notes. But you can copy and paste them into a word document. It actually works pretty well. I'm glad that the devotions are helpful to you.
God bless you.