Today’s Reflection
POVERTY OF SPIRIT involves realizing that we cannot do what God wants by depending on our own skills, insight, or energy. This realization becomes the gate into God’s kingdom. If you ever felt overwhelmed, aware of how impossible it is for you to do what God asks, you’ve been in touch with what it means to be “poor in spirit.” In this beatitude [see Matt. 5:3] Christ invites us into a partnership that can change us and, through us, change the world: “All of you who know you can’t possibly do it, you’re the ones I want. You’re just the kind of people I can use.”
– Mary Lou Redding
The Power of a Focused Heart
From page 21 of The Power of a Focused Heart: 8 Life Lessons from the Beatitudes by Mary Lou Redding. Copyright © 2006 by Mary Lou Redding. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
How do you define “poor in spirit?” Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7:28, NRSV
This Week: pray for expectant parents. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Howard Thurman (October 22).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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6 Comments
I love this definition of poor in spirit – recognizing the need for The Spirit in order to glorify God in word and deed. For me, it also must include my acknowledgement of wanting to be self sufficient, thinking I have enough goodness in me to make a difference. But, yes, confessing I can’t be good enough without help – it is a gate to abundance through Him. Father, help me not to settle for my own goodness, but to desire the abundance of Your power, Your sufficiency, what You intend for me through Your Spirit. Yes, might the gate be flung open.
Grateful for the end of the week – it has been a busy one which has gone quickly. Still much to be accomplished today. Grateful for students who are respectful and pleasant. Grateful to know my parents are passing time with friends, playing bridge. Grateful they have their mental faculties to play this challenging game.
Thankful for yesterday’s posts from Mary, Jill, Julie, Connie, and Lou. Mary doing well, Jill teaching, caring for parents, meeting former students, a Crawford Notch memory, Julie job searching and having fun with her cats, Connie’s cozy home and tasty soup, and Lou doing well in transition. Bless you all.
Made progress to help fellow railroad historical society members, one with back issues of the society’s journal, another with proofreading of the latest issue,
A flu shot for Erich today and an oil change for the car, baseball tonight.
Yes, without God we would not be able to do what we do, In some very minor things, in relation to what God can do, I think God gives us the ability to act on our own, but we must not let that go to our heads. I would not be where I am now without God. Thank You, Lord
Poor in spirit to me is coming to the realization that my capabilities and talents aren’t enough to accomplish the task. Learning to lean on God for direction and strength. He does give us the great gift of free will; help me to look to Him for how to move forward.
Also grateful for the end of a busy week. Work at the local animal shelter today then cleaning the house. Looking forward to an overnight visit from friends to help celebrate my husband’s upcoming birthday. Praying for all those expectant mothers, and health for them and their unborn babies. We have many friends who have grandchildren on the way! Prayers also for all who come here to read, reflect and rest in the Lord. Amen
Poor in spirit simply means we are in need of God desperately.
Thanks everyone for praying!
Enjoy your weekends and draw near to God!
Blessings!
I had never thought of this. I do like the reflection definition. But, I think it is more fundamental. We are nothing and have no spirit at all, without the Lord and without being saved. We are able to accomplish so much more if we rely on the Lord and draw strength and direction from Him.
Prayers for Jill and her family. I am thankfuk all are currently doing well.
Prayers for Robert and Erich. I am thankful for Robert and the help he freely gives to all in need.
Prayers for Betsy and her family. I am thankful she is expecting a grandchild with so much love in her heart.
Prayers for Mary. I am thankful for her new job and her new positive attitude.
Prayers for Connie. I am thankful that she has taught me to notice nature more and to be thankful in all life’s circumstances.
Prayers for Marcy. I pray she is safe.
Prayers for Lou and her family. I am thankful they are leaning on one another.
Prayers for Andrea and her family. I am thankful they are living in harmony currently.
I am thankful for each of you and your prayers. I am getting discouraged. I need to believe God has a place He can use me. The kittens are being their wonderful selves. Tazzie loves to play and has favorite balls he chases and bats at all over the house. He loves to push them down the stairs then chase after them, catch them, briing them back up, and do it over again.
Prayers and blessings to all who visit this warm group of believers in Christ and in one another
I need thee oh I need thee- every hour I need thee.
I cannot do it by myself – I need God Every step of the way-
Prayers for all who come here today-
It’s a gloomy dark Friday in my corner of the world- I’m playing my praise music this morning to light it up.
Blessings and peace to all this morning.
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