God, I need You.

Today’s Scripture: Matthew 5:3, KJB- “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Life is humbling. When we are humbled, knocked down a notch, we begin to find our need for God. When Jesus went up on that mountain to teach the crowds in Matthew 5:3, Jesus began his beatitudes with step one; you must be poor in spirit to receive the kingdom of heaven.

Ok, God, You have me where You need me. I am nothing without You. I need You, LORD. When our spiritual account is bankrupt and we are running on empty, the warmth and power of God fills us. Our spirits can be deflated in an instant. We can be riding high, or at least feel like all is well when just one conversation or incident can change our entire world.

Pride and ego do not go down without a fight. Sometimes, like a wild stallion, we must be broken. I really wish I could detail the hundreds of times that I get smile on my face and my spirit is amazed at the timing of God’s word and life.

Life teaches us our need for God. God teaches us He is life. Here in Matthew 5:3 we learn we must give up our life to receive the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven feels good and comforting. God makes me smile. Almost twelve years ago, I wrote on the Message translation of Matthew 5:3 which states “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

Yesterday, I was at the end of one of my ropes. Well this morning, I came to this verse and laughed out loud thinking, God, are you kidding me? How did you know I would be on this verse today. I am poor in spirit; I am at the end of my rope. I am so thankful that it is here where I am receiving Your kingdom of heaven.

I need nothing else. I am seeking the kingdom of heaven over all things. I am seeking God over all others. I am also learning that when we ask Jesus how to teach us, He does. Ok Jesus, please continue to teach me and help me to be humble enough to learn and receive all that You intend to give me. I trust You Lord over all others.

Have you found this to be true? Have you held on to something or someone for so long and so tight that you were choking the life out? Have you found that when you loosened your grip on that habit, that addiction, that job, that relationship, or other rope and trusted the God of Heaven that you were much more blessed? Blessed to find His filling Spirit and His loving arms, are so much better than the burn of the rope in our hands? Why do we hold on?

I have had to ask myself over and over, I was holding on to that??!! As I look back, I see blessings that I robbed myself and others of because I was hanging on to the wrong ropes.  I did not go willingly or purposefully but did find at the end of my rope a God beyond my understanding. A God who wanted better things for me and offered me a blessed life here in God’s kingdom. I have found peace knowing I have also been given the kingdom of heaven for all eternity.

1.            What rope are you at the end of? Can you let go and trust that you will be blessed?

2.            Now that you have exhausted your power can you feel the relief of letting go?

3.            What blessings have you found when you finally let go of one of your ropes?

4.            Pray now that you can let go of whatever rope you are holding onto and accept the promises of God.

Today’s Prayer: Father God, I need You now. Forgive me Father for hanging on to those things that prevent me from receiving Your kingdom. Continue to teach me Your will Lord. Thank You for humbling my spirit so I can receive Yours. I love You LORD and praise Your name above all others. Thank You for Jesus and His teachings to us. I am humbled LORD and I need You. Thank You for Your promises that meet me where I am and fill me with You. Amen.