Monday, June 4
Theme for the week:
Disciples learn paths of blessedness

Rejoicing that being ‘poor in spirit’ is not a determining factor for inclusion in the kingdom of God.

This week begins a series within a series: We will dwell on the beatitudes section of the Sermon on the Mount over the next nine weeks, starting with blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

God’s desire is that any and all people experience the kingdom of heaven, not just some ‘spiritually elite’ class – as if there were the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.

Spiritually poor folk are as welcome as any others, evidenced by the healings and other miracles performed for the common folk in the chapter directly preceding Jesus’ sermon. Matthew 4 is also where Jesus begins his public ministry, sharing His message, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (4:17).

Right away we see that the kingdom is not just near us, but is available to us – all of us, any of us. Blessed we are, even if we are ‘poor in spirit’. The kingdom is ours too! This is not to say that the ‘spiritually rich’ will not also be able to receive the kingdom. Surely God wants them too, right!? Rather Jesus is correcting a societal misperception that spiritually elite people are somehow more blessed – more superior – in the eyes of God.

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Prayer for the week

Father God, I am not sure that I know how to measure a spiritual condition. I do rejoice that you don't use the measure of one's spiritual condition to determine qualification to enter your kingdom. I do know that we are all sinners and all in need of a savior, including Pharisees of the highest rank and tax collectors of the lowest rank. Regardless of how I may be ‘ranked’, I am grateful that you have called me your own. And I’m grateful in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

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This is our continuing opportunity to encounter God through His Word in Psalm 119. Unique in the bible, Psalm 119 is fashioned around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (seen above). Each section contains eight verses, making it easily the longest psalm at 176 verses. 

Psalm of Meditation for the Week:

Psalm 119:57-64 (Heth)

ח

  1. You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words.
  2. I have sought your face with all my heart be gracious to me according to your promise.
  3. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
  4. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
  5. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
  6. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
  7. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
  8. The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.

  • Read: the verses twice.

  • Mark: the words or phrases that catch your attention.

  • Meditate: talk (better yet write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response from the Lord.

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Pondering Point

Think of a portion (verse 57) as an allotment or inheritance. So often we look for things from God when He Himself is the greatest portion we can ever have. Amen!

Tuesday, June 5
God’s Mission Seen in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The Resurrection of Christ

1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Picking up on Jesus’ efforts to revise a perception that spiritually elite people are superior in the eyes of God, his words open the door for all to come into God’s kingdom. Of course, regardless of whether one may be deemed “spiritually poor” or “spiritually rich”, neither can come in without faith in the person and work of Jesus.

Being spiritually poor in and of itself does not guarantee you are a part of the kingdom (nor does being spiritually rich preclude you). Many poor-in-spirit people will be left outside the kingdom because they do not enter through Jesus. No faith in Jesus = no entrance, regardless the measure of your spiritual condition.

The good news is not so much that the ‘poor in spirit’ enter the kingdom, although this is indeed great news. The truly good news (an apt translation for the word “gospel”) is that they can enter just like anyone else; they are not eliminated from consideration due to a lack of something. This aligns perfectly with the grace-filled Gospel we have come to know in the Bible: We are saved by grace – through faith – and not of ourselves; it is God’s gift that makes it happen, not our works (see Ephesians 4:8-9).

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Prayer for the day

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, the Bible says, "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich."  

Thank you Jesus! Thank you!  Amen!

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:57-58

You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

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Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

1 Chronicles 16:10-11

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 

The Promise:

Romans 3:24

All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

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Pondering Point

Whether “spiritually” rich or poor, God has been gracious to you in Jesus Christ. How are you bringing glory to Him for this? or how could you do so?

Wednesday, June 6
Your Identity in Christ

In Christ I am blessed to be part of God’s kingdom even though I may be poor in spirit.

Two identities crop up with our ‘in Christ’ statement above. One comes from the initial beatitude: I am poor in spirit. The other comes from the experience of a person being in Christ: I am blessed. The named blessing in this case is being given a place in God’s kingdom. Of the two, only one of these identities is required for a blessing (being in Christ), the other is not (being poor in spirit).

Think about it this way: If we assert that one has to be ‘poor in spirit’ to be blessed, this excludes anyone that may be rich in spirit and yet possesses faith in Jesus. Identifying oneself as ‘poor in spirit’ is not nearly as important as identifying oneself as ‘in Christ’.

When author Dallas Willard explains the ‘poor in spirit’, he uses the term ‘spiritual zeros’ to make his point. “Blessed are the spiritual zeros—the spiritually bankrupt, deprived and deficient, the spiritual beggars, those without a wisp of ‘religion’—when the kingdom of the heavens comes upon them.” (Divine Conspiracy, p. 101) No one looks to ‘spiritual zeros’ for answers to spiritual issues, yet here is Jesus saying that kingdom is theirs too!

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Prayer Prompt

Sit down with God and assess your spiritual condition. This may require a fearless inventory (as Alcoholics Anonymous calls it), but these are great heart-to-heart talks with God about where you are, and where He is with and in you. Ask for the Holy Spirit's insights early on, then strength and guidance for any adjustments at the end.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:59-60

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

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Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

1 Peter 2:20-21

If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

The Promise:

Luke 6:21

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. 

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Pondering Point

Live out Psalm 119:59: Take some time, sit with God, and consider your ways… write some thoughts down.

Thursday, June 7
Re-Center Around God

1 Corinthians 15:2 & 11

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you … this is what you believed.
~Apostle. Paul

Tucked between verses 2 and 11 of 1 Corinthians 15 is a testimony, a creed of sorts that lays out some “of first importance” gospel truths: I encourage you to take time to read them and acknowledge them before God (and man). Holding firmly to what we believe is the basis for our re-centering around God this week.

1 Corinthians 15:3-11

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Review the week

Am I living out what I believe about God or do my actions in life go against what I claim to believe? Do I know my beliefs? Could I express them aloud? Do I believe God will care for me or do I, in an act of unbelief, take matters into my own hands?

Repent (if necessary)

Take time to confess any sins that God brings to mind relating to your faith walk: Sins of weakness, of unbelief or inaction, of fear or anxiety. Then ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

Return (as necessary)

Take time to confess your faith in God once again, returning to One who saves you by the Gospel. Consider using one of the formal creeds, 1 Cor. 15:2-11, or even the song We Believe by the Newsboys.

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Prayer Prompt

For today’s prayer prompt, use a prayer of sorts exclaimed to Jesus by the father found in Mark 9:24: Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Amen

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:61-62

Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

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Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

The Promise:

2 Thessalonians 3:3

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

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Pondering Point

Psalm 119:61-62 are a great expression of holding firmly to what one believes in. How does holding firmly to the word find expression in your life, in your world?

Friday, June 8
Discipleship Point from 1 Timothy 6:17

1 Timothy 6:17

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment.
~Apostle Paul

Rich or poor, spiritually or even financially, the real blessing is to be in Christ – to put our hope in God. Remember that in Jesus’ day, many equated financial success with spiritual blessing.

All the more reason to hear Jesus’ quote from Isaiah 61:1: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

The blessing, or good news in Isaiah 61, reached out to rich and poor alike. Neither is excluded. Some poor financially might self-exclude due to a mistaken notion that they are already ‘cursed’ with poverty. But the financially well-off have problems of their own (See James 5:1-6 as well as 1 Timothy 6:17 above). Both need Jesus; both need to put hope in Jesus.

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Discipleship Prayer:

Father God, whether I’m considered rich or poor financially, I rejoice that you are rich toward me. I want to be rich toward you in my financial gifts, in my gifts of energy and of time. Especially I want to be rich in giving my heart by keeping you first, above all things, and in the right place. Thank you for providing everything I need, starting with and ending with Jesus, who authors and perfects my faith. Amen.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:63-64

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.

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Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

Exodus 23:2

Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.

The Promise:

Matthew 4:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

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Pondering Point

Who are your friends in the Gospel, those who fear God and follow his precepts? Thank God for them and reach out and tell them that you are grateful for them.

Saturday, June 9
The Rich Young Man

Matthew 19:16-30

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

We turn to the story of the rich, young man who comes to Jesus. Though used just a couple of months ago in worship, we revisit the story to highlight a conversation that follows between Jesus and his disciples. They were taken aback by this teaching of Jesus over the struggle for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

We see on display here the need for Jesus to revise the perception of how blessings come from God. While salvation for that rich young man was impossible without God, it was still possible – in God. Nothing can get you a place with God except Jesus. Not your money, not your spiritual wisdom, not your spiritual pedigree.

Just faith in the one name of Jesus.

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Prayer

Lord God, nothing is impossible with you. That means it's not impossible for me to experience your love, or – if necessary – to return to you, regardless of previous choices. Nothing can keep me from you. It is good to know that all people are welcome in Your presence in the name of Jesus.

Sunday, June 10
Call to Worship God, to Gather Together

God Bless You

Psalm 115:1

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

To worship God In truth is to recognize him for being who he is, and to recognize ourselves for what we are.

~ Brother Lawrence
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Prayer for Worship

Lord God, I am grateful this morning that I am welcome in your presence, regardless of my spiritual condition. Some days I feel like I have faith figured out. Other days I wonder if I've got much figured out at all. I rejoice that my salvation is not dependent upon my abilities but rather Your ability to forgive me in the name of Jesus. I pray in the name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

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