Poor in Spirit!

For Monday, January 9, 2023:

Matthew 5:3 NLT: “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, characteristics of those who will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. If someone claims to be saved but exhibits none of these characteristics, it would be fair to question their salvation. And if someone claimed to have mastered all these traits, it would be fair to question their honesty.

Some translations of this verse read ‘poor,’ while others say ‘poor in spirit.’ Either way makes sense. If we find ourselves with no money, we should cry out to the Lord for help. And if we’re far from the Lord, poor in spirit, that’s a good time to seek more of him. Either way, we’re recognizing the need to put God in the driver’s seat of our earthly journey.

If we seek more of the Lord, he will meet us on that path. God’s desire is that none would perish and that all would repent and return. The grace of our Father and our faith in Jesus give us access the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus taught that the first will be last and the last will be first! Your reward awaits!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Poor in Spirit?

For Friday, November 19, 2021

Matthew 5:3 NIV, Jesus speaking: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus is starting his Sermon on the Mount by teaching the Beatitudes, a state of extreme blessedness or holiness. Life was tough back then, and people could easily suffer from depression. Their spirit was crushed and they felt like there was no hope.

Jesus is telling them otherwise! If you’re a believer, there is always hope! No matter how this life treats you, if your eyes are focused on the heavenly Kingdom, there is perpetual hope – hope eternal! We all have hope knowing that Jesus included us in paradise, the forever presence of the Father, the Kingdom of heaven!

Jesus went on ahead to get your room ready!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

You are Blessed!

For Sunday, August 29, 2021

Matthew 5:3 NIV: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Who needs a little more God in their lives? I’m guessing that we all do, so in a way, we’re all a little ‘poor in spirit.’ Jesus is dangling the kingdom of heaven like a carrot, before those who need spiritual encouragement. That’s a pretty big reward for just realizing that we need a little help with this life, and reaching out when that help is offered. We have been offered hope!

Jesus said that his walk among us didn’t target the ultra-religious. He was here for those who needed rescuing! “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.”

Everyone can be poor in spirit. “Not what I have, but what I have not.” (Spurgeon)

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406