Matthew 5:3
NIV Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
GW Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless.
Have you ever been really experienced at something and still found yourself going back to “step one”. I definitely find myself doing this in my faith.
Recognizing that we CAN’T do it all. That we ourselves are not equipped. That we are broken and sinful. That we fall short constantly, of our own standards and especially God’s. Humbling ourselves and recognizing just how much we need Jesus. Admitting that we are spiritually helpless, poor in spirit is “step one.”
AND YET God loves us, cares for us, fights for us despite all of that. Remembering and believing in this “step two”.
Romans 5:10 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Hebrews 2:17 For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
Don’t stop there though.
Psalms 119:2 Blessed are those who obey His written instruction. They wholeheartedly search for Him.
Let the significance of what He has done for us, cause us to act. To have a passion for God. To want to build a relationship with Him and seek Him through His written word and prayer daily.
When we seek Him and let Him in, that’s when things really start to change. We receive the Holy Spirit, we are given the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) We are given a stronger connection with God. We are given the ability to spread His kingdom.
The result is that WE ARE CHANGED. From the inside out we are changed. We are free. We have the strength of God equipping us, for all things. We have a new life in Christ and have His protection.
1 John 5:18 We know that those who have been born from God don’t go on sinning. Rather, the Son of God protects them, and the evil one can’t harm them.
Even though we aren’t perfect. Even though we still sin, fall short. Even though we do have to go back to “step one”. God’s grace, mercy, love, and salvation are always there for us. He doesn’t cut us off and not allow us to put ourselves back in a relationship with Him. He’s there waiting, guiding, and encouraging us to take those steps closer to Him and sharing our lives with Him.
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