poor in spirit

Opening Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, that in your kingdom poor is rich, down is up, meek is strong, empty is full, and less is more.  Help us to get on your page when it comes to what is really important in life.  Help us to see things the way you see them.  For only then we will truly be blessed.  Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Journal: What does it mean to be poor in spirit?  How does this bless you?  Are you poor in spirit these days?  What does that look like?  What has been the fruit of it?

Reflection: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3, NIV)  Wait, what?  You mean we are at our best when we are not full of ourselves?  We are fortunate when we are “at the end of our rope” because “with less of us there is more of God and his rule?” (The Message) You mean blessed is the man who really believes in his heart that “apart from you, O Lord, I’ve got nothing?”  

     How counter-intuitive is that?  But it is so true in God’s topsy-turvy kingdom, where down is up and last is first and less is more and low is high.  For some crazy reason the greatest joys of this life come when we give ourselves away, when we die to self, when we put others first, when we seek lowliness, and when we humble ourselves.  What an incredible kingdom this King of ours created!  

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Empty me of self, O Lord, that I might be full of you!  Amen.