Somewhere along the way, I got the impression that the kingdom was for shiny people.
You know…the ones who ooze joy…the ones who sing through the storm…the ones who cry without letting their mascara run. Shiny people with shiny faith, bright enough to push back the dark places of life.
Here’s the problem with that logic: the Bible isn’t a collection of stories of shiny people. It’s a gritty book filled with stories of people whose lives were made grimy by sin—people rescued and redeemed by the Lord who also spoke truthfully in their brokenness.
Hannah said, “I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment” (1Samuel 1:16). Elijah told God, “I have had enough! LORD, take my life” (1Kings 19:4). David, too, cried to the Lord,“My whole being is shaken with terror. And you, LORD—how long?” (Psalm 6:3).
And then there are these sentiments, uttered by our perfect Savior: “I am deeply grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).
Not shiny, just honest.
Brokenness is an unavoidable part of the human experience. No news flash there, but this beatitude is a headline worth proclaiming to all who think the kingdom only belongs to the bright and shiny: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3).
The same Jesus, who knew despair in the marrow of His bones, made this radically beautiful promise. The kingdom is His to give away, and He has chosen not to bar the door to those who struggle. Sister, do you realize what this means?
If you’re spiritually exhausted, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’re wrung out from worry, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’ve got a sadness you can’t shake, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’re in a season where you’re experiencing a poverty of soul instead of abundant joy, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
What was true at the moment of salvation remains true until we see Jesus face to face. He never asks us to slap on a smile or spackle over our broken places. He takes us as we are and transforms us into the image of Himself. And lest, like me, you secretly fear He distances Himself from those who can’t get their act together, listen to His Word once again.
For the High and Exalted One, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says this: “I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed.”
—Isaiah 57:15
Yes, He is a holy God who dwells in brilliant light (1Timothy 6:16). No one is shinier than Him. But He also dwells with us: dusty, discouraged, disillusioned us. Hear it again. Let this sink into your exhausted places: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3).
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134 thoughts on "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit"
There’s a show on Prime video called Shiny, Happy People. Today’s devo made me think of it. Religion asks and teaches us to be shiny. Relationship (God) meets us where we are and transforms us!
Such a great devotional today ❤️
I read it last night and again this morning and each time I’m brought to tears with hope and thanksgiving!
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Praise be to God! Nothing is too little nor too big to bring to him.
Amen, amen, amen!
Love this!
I didnt comment yesterday, although I did read the lovely devotional by Lyndsey.
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What struck me then and it has been written here so beautifully is that no amount of negative, no amount of hurt or pain or disputes or disappointment or loss or downcast-ness, or hope-less-ness.. there is Hope, written in every line of your story., your journey, your situation..
I can’t see how one i being ‘Blessed’ or ‘Happy’ as some translations say, in any of the Beatitudes’ situations..
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BUT GOD..
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In the next words it says ‘.. ‘God will..’ or ‘.. for they shall..’ this is the truth of the gospel..
No matter what is going on GOD has promised good to us..in this lifetime or the next the kingdom of heaven is ours..
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That is a heart warming truth that when we get our head around, is a true blessing.
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Truly, we are not alone, when we are downcast or poor in spirit, He is near, and the kingdom of heaven close..
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Amen..
Blessings my dears..
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thought I’d posted this yesterday., silly me..
Beautifully said!
I have definitely found myself praying from the depth of my anger and resentment this week. Hannah’s story resonates so deeply with me. I might be poor in spirit, but I am blessed, thanks be to God.
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If you’ve got a sadness you can’t shake, Christs kingdom is for you. AMEN. After Good Friday and Grieving Saturday I have a hard time praying for anything for me as I feel it’s so selfish. With so much pain and suffering around the world. So much evil, anger, and hatred among everyday people when we should all feel renewed that Jesus died for US (as undeserving as we are) and then rose from the tomb on the third day to further show us His righteousness and that there is hope through Jesus. Man. I’m feeling so overwhelmed with feelings this week. I want to change my mood and my heart to match the thankfulness I have for His mercy, grace and love but I cannot shake this pit of sadness I feel. Then to read this scripture as if the Lord knew my heart and mind. God is sooo good. Amen.
I am struck by how many of us are in deep dark valleys and feel God is not with us. I know he is. I humbly ask for your prayers for the miracles that seem to be needed in my situation and for the other sisters here needing the same. God’s will be done.
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The Psalm passage really resonates with me today.
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Song share is a favorite of mine—note the Beatitude language near the end!
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All the People Said Amen
Song by
Matt Maher
One, two, sing, five
You are not alone if you are lonely
When you’re feeling frail, you’re not the only
We are all the same in need of mercy
To be forgiven and be free
It’s all you got to lean on
But thank God, it’s all you need
And all the people said Amen, whoa, oh-oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord, for his love never ends
And all the people said Amen
If you’re rich or poor, well, it don’t matter
Weak or strong, we know love is what we’re after
We’re all broken, but we’re all in this together
God knows we stumble and fall
And he so loved the world he sent his son to save us all
And all the people said Amen, whoa, oh-oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord, for his love never ends
And all the people said Amen
Blessed are the poor spirits who are torn apart
Blessed are the prosecuted and the pure in heart
Blessed are the people lonely for another start
For this is a kingdom, the kingdom of God
And all the people said Amen, whoa, oh-oh-oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord, for his love never ends
And all the people said Amen
And all the people said Amen, whoa, oh-oh-oh
And all the people said Amen
Give thanks to the Lord, for his love never ends
And all the people said Amen
And all the people said Amen
Praying for you tonight, sister. You are not alone, God is moving. ❤️
Thank you!❤️
Been watching women of the Bible and the story of the two wives reminded me of Leah and Rachel from the show. It’s interesting how God plays a role in women being able to have children. With a daughter conceived after a miscarriage and now trying for my second, I resonate with these women. God meets us in our grief. He remembers us.
I am so thankful for a God that meets us in our grimy places, in our brokenness and provides his love abd comfort to us!
I was reminded by someone today that this beatitude doesn’t say: Blessed are those who are strong, confident, and have it all together. It says: Blessed are those who know they don’t
Try this… replace “Blessed are” with “I am seen by God when I”…
I am seen by God when I am poor in spirit. He is dwelling with me.
I am so happy that I don’t have to fake anything with Jesus. He takes me as I am. I know this in my head, but I don’t always live like this. I pray that I would give my worries and cares to the Lord, for he cares for me.
I was touched by how many of our SRT sisters shared today that we are feeling discouraged, poor in spirit, and searching for that closeness with God that seems far away. I have felt the same way for a long time. Spending time in God’s Word is certainly helping. And spending time in prayer for each request here helps bring me closer to God as well. Thank you to all who have shared your heart, your hurts and your requests. It is truly a privilege to pray for and with each of you.
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I haven’t quite read/been taught Matt 5:3 thru the lense that Erin shared and have always had the interpretation that poor in spirit is defined as recognizing the deep need for God because we are spiritually lost, wandering and empty without Him and need a relationship with Him. Without Jesus we are unfulfilled and only because of Him can we find what we desperately need. Over on HRT I appreciate this thought “We would do well to hear that Jesus was not just describing the heart of conversion but the way of the kingdom. We are moment by moment in need of grace. Of all the blessings we have been given, we only have them because of the unmerited mercy and compassion of our savior and king.” We are undeserving and poor without Jesus in our lives.
That all being said, Erin’s reminder that Christ’s Kingdom is for all is so very true and in our messy, broken, hurting, longing He meets us there and oh, what a great comfort and hope that is for our weary hearts. We are poor without Him in our lives, but praise the Lord, He is right there when we recognize and admit our need for Him, surrender, submit and lift our hands and hearts to Him AND He also meets us in the hardest, most difficult of places that we are walking thru. Thank you Jesus.
Welcome to many new SRT sisters. Thank you everyone for sharing, for the insights, different contexts and interpretations that really help us all dig in and learn more as we seek to grow in the Lord. Its so encouraging to me, that so many of you were deeply encouraged and blessed by what we are reading today and such a tangible reminder that the Lord really knows what our hearts need. There are so many comments that I wish I had the time to reply to today and also praying for the many requests shared that are heavy on your hearts. ❤️
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I needed this today. It’s a hard day and tomorrow will be harder. A wake and a funeral loom today and those left behind are broken and struggling. While not direct family they are very good friends and I am struggling with how to help. This death was self inflicted and there are children. I’m so heartbroken for this family. Prayers for words that may lighten their load even if just a little.
Janet, my heart goes out to the family and to you in your passion to minister to them. Praying God gives you the opportunities with just the right words or actions for that moment. ❤
Praying for this family and for you, Janet
GM ladies. The reading about Hannah really resonated with me. A few months ago I was in a really l low place, woke up with a lot of worries and anxiety, and that feeling of dread. I decided to walk the beach and listen to worship music and as I did so, I was prompted to kneel on the beach. I literally kneeled and just cried and poured my heart out to God. Like Hannah, I left with a sense of lightness – God is so good! And I love that we can be so honest with him! When we allow ourselves to let go of our misperceived control and to be “poor in spirit” is when God can get to work on healing us.
I did a little research on the meaning of “poor in spirit”. “Poor in spirit” means having a humble and dependent attitude toward God. More specifically:
1. Recognizing your need for God
Understanding: “I can’t do everything on my own.”
Admitting you need help, guidance, and forgiveness
2. Spiritual humility
Not thinking you are better than others
Not being prideful about your goodness or achievements
3. Emptying yourself of pride
Letting go of the idea that you are “self-sufficient”
Being open to God’s influence and teaching
Amen! Have a beautiful day!
❤ thank you, Tami, for sharing your personal moment!
Yes Tami! Thank you for sharing.❤️
Such a struggle but taking it day by day. I’m a control freak but everyday I try to find a way to relinquish that control.
This was beautiful and comforted my hurting soul. Thank you Jesus, for giving your kingdom to messed up people.
As I discussed yesterday the past over a year has been the most emotional distant I have felt from God, my heart so desperately knows that I need him. Through this devotional, connection with others along similar paths. and becoming consistent in my scripture reading again, my prayer is that I will
lean more in God and stop
resisting what he has planned for my life.
Amen Gaby! Glad you are here!
I understand. I felt so close and craved God. Slowly I found myself not praying as much even though I was doing my studies. It changed my relationshop with God. I’m determined to change that and make things a priority. I watched the movie War Room. I need a War room / space.
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I needed this today! I have been in a season of doubt, worry, and constant fear. When I doubt I in my own mind feel like im not good enough for God to hear me, but it gives me comfort that he is with me even when I’m doubting, even when I’m worrying, and scared. I’m so thankful for His love and who he his. I would ask for prayers for me for this season. I would also ask for prayers over my dad he has had fluid in his lungs – please pray for healing over his body. Have a wonderful day today! :)
Praying! ❤️
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
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I love this, and need this today. (I am)… Spiritually exhausted, wrung out from worry, unshakeable sadness, and experiencing poverty of the soul – BUT – by GOD, I still have abundant joy. Only because of Him. Without that, what then? I pray that more are able to seek and find this eternal joy that only God can bring, and cling to it, life dependant. It is the lifesaver in the land of the living.
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Oh the sadness that Hannah endured. As many times as I’ve read this passage, I’ve missed this little detail…Year after year Hannah suffered at the hands of Peninnnah as she taunted and provoked her. Hannah didn’t run to her husband and complain about his other wife, throwing her “under the bus”, but endured her suffering quietly and alone. How do we know this? Because Elkanah had no idea why she was upset and crying or what was causing her lack of appetite, why she was so downhearted.
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Hannah took her sorrows to the Lord, she made a vow and the Lord remembered her.
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“If you’ve got a sadness you can’t shake, Christ’s kingdom is for you.” This has been me, for weeks now. I can’t for sure say what has caused it but there are a few life circumstances that factor in. I so want to move on from here, to leave all the sadness behind. I know it can’t happen on it’s own – I need Jesus to take my hand and walk me through it just as He did for Hannah.
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“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15
Father God, You who are Holy, please revive my spirit, revive my heart – restore to me the abundant joy of my salvation. Hear my prayer O Lord, as I cry out to You, answer me quickly. And for any of my sisters here who also are in need of reviving, please do a mighty work in them too. To You be all the glory and praise forever and ever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love—
for Jesus, who died, and is now gone above.
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Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Revive us again.
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May each of you be blessed today.❤️
Amen Sharon! I am praying for you!
I caught that about Hannah as well.
Prayers sweet Sharon.
I thought of you when I read that line in the devo, Sharon. I’ve been there, sister; continued prayers! ❤❤❤
Praying for you today, Sharon.
I’m in a season where I feel lowly in spirit and recognize my need for God and His provision. May I be like Hannah who went to God when she was lowly and walked away no longer despondent but hopeful. Restore my hope, Lord. For I need You more now than ever
It humbles me, to know that his kingdom is for their broken. I’ve been in a season and still am in a season of deep brokenness, and grief. I just think of the thief that was originally mocking Jesus on the cross and then, noticed. This man beside me can save me and is innocent. He is in heaven and he went from mocking to believing! Just a sweet reminder of how blessed we are to be loved by him!
From John MacArtur NKJV Study Bible:
“The worldly idea is that happiness is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things. The real truth is the very opposite. The Beatitudes give Jesus’ description of the character of true faith. poor in spirit. The opposite of self-sufficiency. This speaks of the deep humility of recognizing one’s utter spiritual bankruptcy apart from God. It describes those who are acutely conscious of their own lostness and hopelessness apart from divine grace (cf. 9:12; Luke 18:13).
See note on 19:17. theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
See note on 3:2. Notice that the truth of salvation by grace is clearly presupposed in this opening verse of the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus was teaching that the kingdom is a gracious gift to those who sense their own poverty of spirit.”
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Gotta run for now; Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
WELCOME to the newcomers! ❤
Thank you for sharing this!!
Most welcome, Rachelle! ❤
I love all the comments today and honesty from everyone! If we can drop our “masks” and be open and honest with each other, God can do a great work through us! We don’t have to put on the super Christian shiny face but tell God how we are feeling, He will meet us right where we are.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”
Psalm 18:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.18.6.ESV
God sees us and hears us!
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
God won’t quit on me. Thank you, God, for not giving up on me.
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I WISH I had more time! When my alarm went off at 4am, I got up immediately, but yet I was so slow…YES our Jesus is near the poor in spirit, I knew, that I knew MY JESUS was with me during those dark times. I had another nightmare, possibly why it took me a while to get going! Yes it involved my soon to be EX (Thursday April 9 court date). My JESUS is with me! He is with the women I heard just a few days ago who is being abused verbally and emotionally. I don’t know her but I’m praying for her (M) Out of time have a blessed day BEAUTIFUL Shes!
I hate how those bad dreams leave us wuth a cloud iver khr waking. Prayung God’s favor for you in Thursday’s decision! ❤
Something about the “shiny people with their shiny faces” reference in this devotional felt a bit critical to me. The line about God never asking us to “slap on a smile or spackle over our broken places” didn’t quite sit right either. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it almost came across as suggesting that people who show joy or sing through hard seasons might be faking it to cover their pain.
At the same time, I wonder if for some people, that response is genuine—just how they’re wired. When life gets heavy, they rise. They’ve developed a kind of inner resilience or faith that expresses itself outwardly in joy, even in the middle of struggle. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re pretending or ignoring brokenness.
Of course, none of us is “shinier than God,” but aren’t we also called to reflect Christ in how we live and respond? I’m still sorting out my thoughts, but something about that framing didn’t fully land with me.
I can understand how that felt critical. I think when you are hurting others can come across that way. Some don’t have time for the hurting. They don’t want the messiness of it. It is a huge lesson to us to be very mindful of others and where they are at in life. I agree with you, but I’m wondering if this is what Erin felt from others at one time in her life.
I agree Maria! I am a smiling person! That’s what I do, because I like to, it’s how I’m wired! Yes, I like to sing through the storms! It doesn’t mean I’m fake, or not facing things.
I can remember when I first started going back to church. I thought everyone there had these nice lives and were going to be so kind. I found out the opposite. They can be judgemental, aloof, and unwelcoming. Then I slowly started realizing that they are sinners struggling just as I was. I was expecting too much. They are human. I needed to seek out God first to be able to walk into church and be kind and welcoming to those that were seeking.
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It is of utmost importance that we seek God first. That we pray for our hearts to be changed. To hunger for Him. To recognize those poor in spirit and offer love. God promises us that. And we are His hands and feet.
Amen Traci so true! Ilya has been showing me just this over the past few months. People in church I put on pedestals and compared myself to are showing themselves to be human and imperfect, just like me. I feel like God has given me a front row seat to some of it as a lesson.
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Amen!!
Amen
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I “am poor in Spirit” many, many days. With Chronic Pain ongoing daily, for over 21 years, well and before, it is weighing, tiring, and exhausting. What helps me 1) is going to our Enduring Chronic Pain group every Tuesday that a friend and I started 3.5 years ago. When you can come together, with the same heavy Spirit, you “get” each other and you don’t feel so alone and weary. You encourage each other, edify, and strengthen. We turn our self-focus over to others, and then study God’s word and put our eyes back on Him! For He knows our needs, he hears our cries, and he comforts. He also of course is the Healer. Knowing that, we stay steadfast, inch by inch, little step by step. We show up when we don’t want to. 2) Serve. When we serve and share the love of the Lord, again, it takes our eyes off of self-focus and turns to other to love on them, show them Jesus, and bless them (and ourselves)!
The devil loves to isolate us. We can so easily fall into a pity party of whatever it is that makes us poor in Spirit. But through Jesus, we all have a chance and a choice for salvation and the ultimate solution to redemption and restoration. We will still go through the season, which is good for us. For we know Paul says it humbles us, and the thorn may be removed and it may not be, for only God knows what is best for us. All I know, in my own situation, is that it could always be worse. Many people struggle, and I know I have many blessings. For as the saying goes “we all have our own cross to bear.” Jesus struggled and had sorrow, betrayal, temptations, fear, and pain. But he still followed his Father and did His will not His own.
Remember we can’t fall into being led by emotion, it’s not how we feel, it’s what we know. We follow God’s word. So even though I am in a valley, a fire, a pit- I know God’s got me. He will see me through. Whatever we go through, we know we can make it. The trap is using other band-aids that are temporary. Alcohol is “an acceptable band aid” these days for Christians. And other things..food, social media, shows..and more. We let other things take up space in our mind. But God, wants us to focus on Him. His is the vine, that we must keep attached to. When we are sinking in the crashing waves around us, we keep our eyes on Jesus. We start sinking when we look elsewhere, especially at the scary, gigantic waves, when fear and helplessness overtake. Call out. He is there with his hand out, willing you to grab it. Nothing is EVER hopeless, if Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he is within us, and we can overcome as well.
I love the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” And also coming to mind is the song many just sang on Easter “Living Hope” by Phil Whicham.
I love that old hymn. Good stuff as always, Rhonda! ❤
Rhonda, I agree with you! Having people around you to encourage you and understand what you are going through helps! Serving gets us out of ourselves and helps us focus on others.
Praying for you! I hadn’t thought how long I’ve had Fibromyalgia but I did the math and it’s been around 34 years!! Just so thankful for God’s mercy and grace!
That’s a long time Cheryl, it’s weird how it just becomes something that we “carry.” Having an invisible condition is really hard. Prayers for you!
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God, thankful that you love me just as I am. I’m also thankful that when I am poor in spirit -weak, exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed you meet me there
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We can only enter into the kingdom of God when we are humble, recognizing that we can not do this on our own. It is the trials and struggles that bring us to the end of ourselves and we see God there with us ready to guide, ready to be our rock and carry our burdens. Hannah and David realized that God was the source of help, comfort and peace while the world around them was cruel and overwhelming. In his kingdom now we have his Spirit, but one day we will see Jesus and He will wipe away every tear and there will no longer be sorrow and fear.
Thank you Jesus for meeting us where we are! I need You, Lord. In the quiet moments where doubt creeps in, remind me of the Truth Lord. I am not alone for You are always with me! Be with my brothers and sisters today Lord. Help them be a light! May peace be the fruit of their lips! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen!
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This is my first time posting although I’ve been studying with SRT for several months. Today’s reading really resonated with me this morning. I’ve been up since 3:30 with my mind racing with anxiety, sadness and worry. A friend of ours lost their child yesterday in a terrible accident and my son’s teacher, who he adores and so do we, went into the hospital and has to have
Prayers for you and prayers of comfort for those around you who are hurting.
Prayers for your friends family. As someone who has lost their child it is the most heartbreaking time in our lives. They will need lots of prayers.
I am so sorry – how terrible! Prayers for your friends who lost their child, unimaginable. And for your son’s teacher.❤️
Teresa B—praying you will soon be able to testify of His mercy, grace, and redemptive love. Lean into Him and let Him comfort your aching heart ❤️
This brought on a new meaning to the versus of Matthew “poor in spirit”. I’m not sure I’ve ever connected truly to it before, but hearing “exhaustion” brought instant tears to my eyes and I feel seen even when I don’t understand the sadness in my heart. I just know an exhaustion from life lives there.
Thank you for sharing Sammi – I’m praying for God to comfort you!
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“He never asks us to slap on a smile or spackle over our broken places. He takes us as we are and transforms us into the image of Himself.”
Thank you for this Lord – Amen!
Amen❤️
Erin’s angle in the devo isn’t quite how I have been taught the meaning. Our pastor did a great series on the beatitudes a few years ago but I was unable to access it. Jamin Roller does a good job on HRT.
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Got Questions is close to what he taught. Here’s an excerpt:
God offers us salvation as a gift, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, the full payment for sin’s penalty. Before we can receive this gift, we must understand that we cannot make ourselves worthy of it. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works.We must recognize our sinfulness before we can understand our need for a Savior. We must admit our spiritual poverty before we can receive the spiritual riches God offers. We must, in short, be “poor in spirit.”
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When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” He is declaring that, before we can enter God’s kingdom, we must recognize the utter worthlessness of our own spiritual currency and the inability of our own works to save us.
From gotquestions dot org
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Welcome to all the new sisters, so glad you’re here!
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TERESA COOPER DONLEY great post yesterday! ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️❤️❤️
DW praying about the conversation
CEE GEE ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- praying, sister.
AMY GRENDEL – so sorry about your grandmother. Praying for guidance as you walk through the work ahead.
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Thankful for the prodigals that heard The Word Sunday, may they continue to seek the Lord.
yes searching! it always reminds me of when the Bible says christ is is the cornerstone, some will be crushed by it but others will fall on top of it and be broken to pieces. square one is broken on the rock.
Yes, Searching, that is how I understood “poor in spirit” to be as well. Thanks for sharing from got question.
I am praying that the truth that was presented on Sunday will burn within the hearts of our prodigals.
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“If you’re spiritually exhausted, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’re wrung out from worry, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’ve got a sadness you can’t shake, Christ’s kingdom is for you.
If you’re in a season where you’re experiencing a poverty of soul instead of abundant joy, Christ’s kingdom is for you.”
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Thank you, Erin! The door to God stands wide open for those who turn to Him in their spiritual poverty.
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“Of all the blessings we have been given, we only have them because of the unmerited mercy and compassion of our savior and king. Those who don’t think they need it will miss it. Those who know it is all we have are blessed.”
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Jamin Roller (at the HTT site), well said.
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From the New English Translation’s study notes:
“The term “Blessed” introduces the first of several beatitudes promising blessing to those whom God cares for. They serve as an invitation to come into the grace God offers.
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The poor in spirit is a reference to the “pious poor” for whom God especially cares. See Ps 14:6; 22:24; 25:16; 34:6; 40:17; 69:29.
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The present tense (belongs) here is significant. Jesus makes the kingdom and its blessings currently available. This phrase is unlike the others in the list with the possessive pronoun being emphasized.”
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DW – praying for the upcoming conversation to go well and God will use you to impart His wisdom.
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MIA FAITH – praying that you and your family were comforted in the last month of sad anniversaries.
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DANA COOK – praying for your grieving heart today too
Thank you so much for praying, Kelly. I had that conversation yesterday and I think a few seeds were planted.
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Yes, HRT was really good and there was even a comment!❤
Matthew 11:28 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
sometimes broken̈ehealingss is
Much needed today. I am in a low place because of my own bad decision this past weekend. I caused a rift that only God can repair.
Praying, Teresa, that as you pour out your heart to the Lord for His mercy and grace, that He will guide you and oversee the repair needed.
He can! Praying for you, Teresa B. ❤️
Praying for you…we’ve all been there for sure!
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I haven’t commented before and only started doing SRT in the past couple of months, but i just wanted to say how deeply touched i feel by Erin’s words, and indeed by today’s study. I am doing a PhD and feel so lost in anxiety about my future (single woman with no children but a deep desire for a partner and family) and about how my PhD project will progress. Everything feels uncertain and difficult and I fear it will for a long while yet. I’m living a few hours away from my family and feel lonely sometimes. I just wanted to comment for sisters who are feeling the same, and to please ask for your prayer – you are such a wonderful community and I enjoy reading your comments everyday. Thank you
Welcome to our group, Eleanor! God sees and knows your heart’s desire for a husband and children. We have several in this group who share this desire. I have added your name to my list of sisters that I pray for every day. May God give you His peace in the waiting. ❤️
Thank you so so much Lynne! Lovely to virtually meet you – sending love from London!!
So glad you are with us, Eleanor! ❤️
Praying for your studies and PhD project, that you will be able to lay down the anxiety as you move forward to complete it. I remind myself that God is with us each day and already knows our tomorrows.
Eleanor – I’m sharing your post with my daughter whose story mirrors yours! Thank you for posting!
Eleanor, I think your story sounds so much like my story. Thank you so much for bravely posting. I just finished a doctorate, and I can promise you that your feelings were 100% part of my experience, too. Praying for you!
Elenor and EJ I added you to our prayer list on our FB She’s page.
Eleanor, I posted similarly yesterday. You are not alone and I’m praying alongside you! God’s peace would calm your anxiety and you would find joy in todays work and hope for your future!
Jillian thank you so much xx
Eleanor, you are not alone! I’m also single, away from family, and feeling the weight of this season I’m in. Praying you are able to find peace in our savior!!
Susan, I added you to our prayer list as well. :)
Eleanor – this is a great group of women! Thank you for sharing. I am praying for you.
Thanks so much Tami!!!
Welcome Eleanor and EL! Praying for you both!
Eleanor I am so glad you are here – welcome to the group! I feel a little lost too, but for other reasons so I know a bit of how you feel. I will be joining all the other sisters here in prayer for you. May God take away your anxiety about the future. I will also add you to the list of single sisters here at SRT that desire a Godly husband and a family. ❤️
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
(This is also a good reminder for me!)
Thank you so much Sharon for your kind words and welcome!!!
Oh, precious heart, hold on, hang tight!
He lives!
And looks tenderly upon the lost & lowly & lonely.
His faithful love endures forever.
Joining my prayers with those of these precious sisters! The only thing I can add is to embrace each moment, enjoy and thank God for ‘life’s little pleasures’- an unexpected smile, act of kindness, favorite coffee, sunrise, sunset, etc. As the old saying goes, “Bloom where you’re planted.” I latched on to that as a young wife and mom who moved every few years with hubby’s job. Hugs to you, Eleanor! ❤
Thank you Cee Gee!!
I needed these words today. I am discouraged about a certain issue. He dwells with me there. ❤️
Praying, Kerry, for encouragement, clarity and guidance on this issue. ❤️
Amen! ❤
Praying that you will be encouraged today.❤️
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