The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 18:10-11 (HCSB)
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. 11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 17:3-5 (HCSB)
3 You have tested my heart; You have examined {me} at night. You have tried me and found nothing {evil}; I have determined that my mouth will not sin. 4 Concerning what people do: by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. 5 My steps are on Your paths; my feet have not slipped.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Matthew 5:3 (HCSB)
"The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
My observation:
How wonderful it is to sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to him speak with authority about the Kingdom of God. Jesus came preaching about the Kingdom of God, and people flocked to hear him. They were interested in what he taught.
Matthew 4:17 (HCSB)
From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!"
In our focal passage for today, we begin to examine the blessings that Jesus taught about as he began his sermon. Notice that he was talking primarily to his disciples. However, there was a crowd that had gathered around them to soak up what Jesus had to say.
This passage is not a set of rules of how to become Kingdom people. Rather, it describes the character traits of those who are already citizens of the Kingdom of God. Let us listen to the testimony of two of the disciples who were present when Jesus spoke on that day.
Acts 3:6 (HCSB)
But Peter said, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!"
Acts 4:13 (HCSB)
When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.
It is only the born again child of God that realizes how truly they are "poor in spirit". When I think about where God has brought me from, I can say with rejoicing in my soul, that I am so blessed. This is what the Apostle Paul said to the saints of the church at Corinth. There is something within us that makes the difference.
2 Corinthians 6:10 (HCSB)
as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing yet possessing everything.
My prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for the grace of God that reached down from the heights of heaven to rescue a dying and perishing soul like me. Father God, I have nothing to boast about except the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, I am so glad that I belong to Jesus, and that Jesus belongs to me. I'm a child of the King, and because of Jesus, the kingdom of heaven is my inheritance.
John 10:9 (HCSB)
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.
My song:
We Are So Blessed (Click on link below to listen to this song):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jREx4JBzR0
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http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
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