WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
READ
The emphasis in this verse in on the kind of poverty that is economic, emotional and spiritual. The ‘poor’ being referred to here are all those who are lacking in any way, whether it be in a physical or spiritual sense. The verse could then be paraphrased, “blessed are those who are in need of God’s help.” Those who have experienced the harsh side of life, whether with hunger, homelessness, hurt, persecution, or any other kind of pain. It is those people who can fully appreciate and understand the need for God’s intervention and presence in their lives.
Jesus turns the conventional ideas of His time upside-down. The predominant worldview of His time was that those who had material blessings, those who were rich, must be the ones favoured and blessed by God. But Jesus is calling out not to those who seem to have everything together, or appear to already be blessed by God based on the standard of that day. Rather, Jesus is calling those in true need of God.
PREPARE
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
PRAY
- Pray that God teaches us our need for Him
- Pray that those around us will realize the need for God in their lives
TRUST
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
FOLLOW
What’s happening around us?
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) works alongside local churches and communities in more than 50 countries to carry out disaster relief, sustainable community development and justice and peace-building work in the name of Christ. MCC also seeks to build bridges to connect people and ideas across cultural, political and economic divides.
There are many ways to get involved including getting involved with their programs, volunteering at MCC thrift stores or relief sales, putting together kits (health kits, school kits, etc.), making blankets, giving financially, and praying for this worldwide ministry.
http://ontario.mcc.org