POOR FOR MORE - by Clayton Jung

Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]. Matthew 5:3 (AMP)

Recently, we've been investigating the first Beatitude. Brent, Karena & Susan have helped us see how the "poor in spirit" heart attitude includes:
      - Recognizing we are spiritually helpless & can do absolutely nothing apart from Jesus
      - Acknowledging our need for Him and putting our trust in Him
      - Becoming more child-like - less attached to our plans, reputations, possessions and opinions than we are to the heart of God

We may reach this place when we find ourselves in great need or stress. God has often used those times when I'm feeling at the "end of myself" to teach me more about His love & wisdom. That's one way becoming "poor in spirit" can lead to MORE - growing and discovering aspects of His "kingdom of heaven", as this verse promises. But this can also happen when we turn our hearts to God in a deliberate or "voluntary" way, like through times of deep worship or prayer. Using body positions as an example, God works through those times I bow low (or even "grovel"), AND He also fills us when we look up and spread our arms wide in openness to Him. 

With these in mind, let's consider how we can balance living "poor in spirit" with some other ways He looks at us. For instance, we are called "kings" and "priests" (Rev 1:6). History is filled with examples of political & religious leaders who didn't demonstrate a heart as described above. So how much better if we can lead and serve (in our own circles of influence) on a daily basis with a heart that is more open to and dependent upon God? And here are some other roles or pictures we can consider: 
     - Ambassador (2 Cor 5:20)
     - Bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-29)
     - Spiritual parent (1 Thess 2:7, 11-12)

May God bless and guide each of us to discover MORE - of ways we can be "poor in spirit" to allow His "kingdom of heaven" to fill and flow through our lives!  To help, here are some biblical statements you can ponder and declare over yourself:

Declarations

God's thoughts about me are precious and are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18)

God's plan for my future will always be filled with hope  (Jeremiah 29:11)

God loves me with an everlasting love and rejoices over me with singing (Jeremiah 31:3  Zephaniah 3:17)

God works in all things for my good and for those who love Him (Rom 8:28)

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because I am united in Christ  (Ephesians 1:3)

I am established, anointed and sealed by God  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1:6)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me  (Phil 4:13)

I am a branch connected to Jesus as the True Vine, and will bear much fruit for His Kingdom  (John 15:1, 5)

I am Christ's ambassador, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world around me (Col. 2:10)

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