Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 1, 2015
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Matthew 5:3, The Amplified Bible
Jesus rocks the religious world by describing the humble in heart as those who are truly happy. To be poor in spirit is to be humble in heart. Advancement in the kingdom of heaven comes from downward mobility to the feet of our Master Jesus. The way up is down. We are to decrease and He is to increase. The poor in spirit are rich in what matters most: salvation, relationships, peace, forgiveness, grace, kindness, love and laughter. Because their soul is pregnant with humility they birth grace and love into lives around them. We die rich by becoming poor in spirit in this life.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Can those wealthy in worldly goods also be poor in spirit? Yes of course, but it is harder because they have more competition for their affection and devotion to their heavenly Father. This is why Jesus said it is hard (not impossible) for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:23-25). If you desire to be poor in spirit seek first the kingdom of God. By faith, tear down the walls of fear that isolate you from intimacy with others. In childlike trust come to Christ with your dreams and ambitions. We die rich when we die to ourselves and live for Christ. Death precedes true riches.
Above all, cultivate a heart of humility. Humility facilitates happiness. A healthy perspective of ourselves in proportion to the Lord positions us to be blessed and to be a blessing. We capitulate to Christ and He moves us forward by faith. Grace floods a humble heart and sustains it during severe suffering. It passes the test of prosperity with a generous spirit and learns to be content when neither rich nor poor. Humility serves. It gives up its right to be right, so a relationship can be made right. We die rich by giving away our life, and in the process we enjoy an abundant life!
“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use my poverty of spirit to make others rich in Your grace and love.
Related Readings: Proverbs 11:28; Acts 3:6; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 4:12; Hebrews 11:25
Post/Tweet this today: The kingdom of heaven is possessed by those who are possessed by God. #dierich #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Gaither’s: Rock of Ages
Our partners at The Friends of the Good Samaritan are changing the lives of hundreds of children in the slums of India by providing education, medical care and nutrition. Learn how you can help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhunters.com
Comments are closed.
Thank you for your insight into our true purpose on this earth. Bless you
Thank you Christine, for your encouraging words after reading “How To Die Rich”. I have to admit, I had to read it over a few times to reinforce the Godly “reminders” to stay humble in heart and poor in spirit. Doesn’t it seem today’s culture is so quick to encourage us to be just the very opposite? Sometimes, I feel like a fish swimming upstream in today’s world. Gracious, “How to Die Rich” reminds me, once again, “less of me, MORE OF HIM” !!!
Thank you, Christine. We are so thankful for you and love when we get to hear from our Wisdom Hunter’s family. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring day.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”
2 Corinthians 6:10
I am getting the email devotional on my cell phone.
Is this published in a book to give to friends who don’t have emails?
I purchased the “Way of Wisdom” for the Mothers Day special but it is not the same as the email version.
The two devotionals are really nice.
Would still like to know about the email version.
Thank you
Pam Carner
Dear Pam,
Good morning. Thank you for reaching out to us and letting us know that you are enjoying the daily devotionals. I hope that you are enjoying “The way of Wisdom” book, as well.
You are right, the daily devotionals and the devotionals in “The Way of Wisdom” are somewhat different. Boyd wrote shorter devotionals for “Way of Wisdom” so our readers could “fit them in” into a busy life and read through in a shorter time than the other daily devotionals.
However, many in our Wisdom Hunter’s family still prefer the longer devotionals, so we are thankful to be able to offer those, too.
The daily devotional that you are reading through your email are new devotionals that Boyd has written, as well as, devotionals he wrote in the past that are now in some of our books. “Seeking Daily the Heart of God Vol. 1” and “Seeking Daily the Heart of God Vol.2” are 365 day devotionals that consist of daily devotionals you are reading on email. (Please take a look at our bookstore on our website http://www.wisdomhunters.com)
The Lord continues to work through Boyd with new devotionals and we are so thankful for that. We give God all the glory for these works!
Thank you again, Pam, for your email. We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18