Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Good morning, Jesus.
Life in this fallen world can be tough at times. We’re thankful for your presence that gives us hope when life’s stuff hits. But there are incidents that are beyond our strengths. We get to the end of our proverbial rope and we’re still hanging over the swamp full of alligators—then what? In our needy condition, Lord God, we acknowledge we need you. Jesus, when you walked among us, you taught the antithesis to the culture at that time. You stated to surprised listeners, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). In that culture, crisis solving depended on their self-efforts and to more closely follow strict rules of behavior. If the problems remained, too bad—your fault. How surprising Jesus would say they “were blessed” if they were hopelessly mired in their situation. Surely these dire circumstances hardly resemble the kingdom of heaven, whatever that is.
If Jesus were to put this same truth in today’s language, he’s say: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule (The Message Translation). So much for the self-made man philosophy of “I’ve got this! I have all the answers.” In our spiritual poverty, God makes available everything in his kingdom we need. You’re the great I AM and nothing is impossible for you. When we’re poor in spirit, help us trust your promise that all the powers of heaven will work on our behalf.
May we be faithful to remember our loved ones and friends facing illnesses, diseases, physical and mental afflictions. In their weakness, Lord make your strength known. Sustain them and their families with your grace and power.
Show yourself to all who are seeking you, You are not far from all who call on you. Forgive our sins. Heal our nation.
When I’m poor in spirit, I’m truly rich beyond measure in you, Jesus. Amen
THANKFUL 
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