"I'm ponderin' why God wants you to be like me!"
Yesterday, I shared with you my love for JESUS' SERMON ON THE MOUNT in Matthew 5-7. I asked you to ponder a few things:
1. Is the Kingdom of Heaven something that is important to be a part of?
2. Is the Kingdom of Heaven something that you want to be a part of?
3. Is the Kingdom of Heaven worth the journey from selfish to selfless?
I believe JESUS is saying that the journey starts by becoming POOR IN SPIRIT. Then, He followed His first "Be-attitude" with the second: Blessed are those who MOURN, for they shall be COMFORTED."
In Matthew, it says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to and includes…
Matt 5:3..... It belongs to those who are Poor in Spirit
Matt 5:10... It belongs to those who are persecuted for righteousness.
Matt 5:19... Some in it are least.
Matt 5:19... Some in it are great.
Matt 6:10... It belongs to the FATHER.
Matt 8:11... Abraham, Isaac, Jacob at its feast.
Matt 11:11... We are greater in it than J. Baptist.
Matt 13:38... It’s sons are the good seed.
Matt 18:1-3.. Unless like little ones, never enter it.
Matt 18:4..... Humbled like child, are greatest in it.
Matt 19:14... It belongs to childlike people.
Matt 21:31... Tax collectors/prostitutes entering it.
Matt 20:21... It belongs to JESUS.
Matt 21:43... It’s given to those who produce it’s fruit.
Dear Awesome Creator, Teacher, One and Only GOD,
This is Patti, here I am again...greatly opinionated, bossy, stubborn, and a joy stealer... You made me...You know what makes me work...You know what's best for me... So, I ask You to grant me the understanding to know that my life is NOT about me. Give me the insight to know that just because things don't go my way that YOU are still in control and You are still good. How is it that the little children are poor in spirit? Help me to ponder the beauty in them that You are wanting me to grasp.
This week as Crystal babysat 3 year old Maggie, I saw once again a child's quickness to say, "I'm sorry!" I observed her readiness to ask for help. I heard the "how?" and "why?" questions because of her need to know more. Then, today, as Crystal babysat baby Lexi, I was reminded again of the great dependence of a baby...the ongoing letting Crystal know when she had a need. Then, there were her eyes following Crystal wherever she went...not wanting her to get too far away.
But, wait, those aren't the only two I've been around this week. What about Tuesday right after our Mom's class and then at lunch at Wendy's? Both places, I saw tears...true heartfelt tears... "I'm sorry! I won't do it again!" "Mommy, wait, don't leave me!" "Where'd my Mom go?"
God, You are already giving me a glimpse:
1. Teach me the poor in spirit words: "I'm sorry! I'm weak! I messed up!"
2. Teach me to humbly ask for Your help and guidance in all that I do.
3. Teach me to be humble enough to ask questions, even if I appear stupid.
4. Teach me to give up my independent spirit.
5. Teach me to realize my continual need for You.
6. Teach me to weep / mourn over my sins and my need for You.
Oh, GOD, thank you for being ready and willing for me to be in the Kingdom of Heaven...thank You for being there, too...thank You for comforting me...Thank You, JESUS...amen
1 comment:
So I am several days behind, but here we go.
My name is Brenda and I am anxious.
My name is Brenda and I am controlling.
My name is Brenda and I have no patience.
My name is Brenda and I talk too much, usually ending up saying something hurtful and rude.
Post a Comment