Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, January 4, 2016

Today’s Scripture Promise:

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

Today’s Observation:

I would like to share an incredible irony with you today. Even though the middle class has shrunken severely over the past several years; the economy has suffered a near fatal blow; the apparent prosperity we see around us is somewhat unbelievable, poverty is still not the most welcome or complimentary position to be in. Even though many who used to have high credit scores and could once get premium loans with low interest rates have since suffered foreclosures and may even find it difficult to be approved for apartment rental agreements in the decent areas, calling them poor or needy would almost be insulting. Even though food prices have skyrocketed, many well-educated people have lost their high paying positions in well-established careers and are now compelled to accept whatever is available in order to make ends meet, nobody really wants to openly identify with poverty.

Here’s the irony: Although more and more families are feeling the squeeze of poverty on their lives and recognize how difficult and undesirable it is, Jesus opens His famed Sermon on the Mount with a blessing on those who are poor, underprivileged, and insignificant of spirit. He said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Further, He says that they should be happy, envied, and full of joy and satisfaction in God’s favor regardless of their circumstances! What irony.

Unlike those of us who experience financial crises, become familiar with living below the poverty line, and have suffered incredible material loss; those who are self aware of our need of God’s wealth of power in our lives are considered blessed. Understanding that without a miracle of grace in our lives that we are nothing is a precious mindset. So many, especially religious people in the last days feel like we are rich, increased with goods, and in need of nothing. So many, especially religious people do not even realize that we are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. And worse, some of us ignore the Spirit’s pleading to humble ourselves and receive His wealth in exchange for our impoverished souls. This is why those who recognize our spiritual poverty, and submit to God are enviable. It is then and only then that we are receptive to God’s help. Humility is the key to recognizing our great need, and joyfully accepting God’s provision. And Jesus has promised that those who occupy this enviable position have the kingdom of heaven as their possession.

Today’s Marching Orders:

Ask the Lord for a sense of your spiritual poverty today, and get ready to receive the wealth of His Spirit’s presence. Get ready to receive His eternal reward.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)