A BEGGAR'S KINGDOM
- Key Verse
- "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . . . Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Reflections
It was almost ten years ago when I woke my wife in bed and told her, “Honey, I have a problem with pornography, and I need your help.” After spending hours in an online wasteland, I no longer believed I could “manage this on my own.” I had asked God to remove my struggle, but only in ways that would maintain my reputation. Now, I was empty and tired. On my own, powerless. A beggar.
I became a Christian as a child, spending years learning God’s Word and leading others in Christ. But somehow, a clear picture of my depravity eluded me until that night. I had been “doing” for God for years, but had trouble accepting that “nothing good [dwelled] in me, that is, in my flesh.” (Romans 7:18)
In Christ's day, society considered the religious and wealthy blessed of God. The beggars and sick were cursed. In Matthew 5:3-6, however, Christ provides a different picture. The “blessed” of God are those who recognize their spiritual poverty, those mourning sin, the submissive, and those hungering for righteousness unattainable on their own. With this heart, heaven is received, not grasped; the earth inherited rather than achieved. We find significance only in God’s ransom of us. I missed that this was not only true of my salvation, but also of my walk with Christ.
Before hitting bottom, I didn’t want charity from anyone. I wanted to be a benefactor; if not with money, then wisdom, knowledge, etc. I craved receiving the respect of a benefactor. Performance-based acceptance drove my Christian walk. But I have nothing to offer God except a surrendered life. Anything worth bringing to Him is already from Him.
There is beauty being in the receivership of Christ. We approach God with gratitude, not a resume. We have worth because God saw us as valuable enough to ransom at our worst moments. He released us from performance-based acceptance. When I died to the pursuit of approval, I embraced God's approval--the charity of the Lover of My Soul. In turn, He gave me freedom to love--and freedom from pornography.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you feel about being a charity case?
2. Do you approach the throne of grace with confidence as one already approved of God find to mercy in your time of need?
3. How are you doing at extending grace and mercy to others who have wronged you?
4. What are you striving for right now? Read Psalm 46:10.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? In your family? In your school?
2. What does it mean to be persecuted? Have you ever been persecuted for believing in God?
Mike
January 11, 2010 05:23 PM
Glad to be a fellow beggar with you Nate! I'm blessed to walk along side you and witness your "freedom to love" as you love others with your life.
Courtney Vorel
January 11, 2010 10:12 PM
Nate, Your devo encourages me to strive for an attitude of humility in awe of God's lovingkindness.
Sarah Tucker
January 12, 2010 05:38 AM
Well said Nate! So encouraged this morning! Thank you Lord for using Nate this morning to remind me of your grace and all you have given me and accomplished! Love to your family !
Kay Wyma
January 12, 2010 06:46 AM
What beautiful words the Lord put on your heart to describe the strange relationship we have with performance oriented impulses and his provision. Over and over from the Old Testament to the New we see this concept in play. Terrific job putting it into words for today.
Jim Wimberley
January 12, 2010 08:09 AM
From charity case to another, "great job". Love serving with you, Jim
Scott Coy
January 12, 2010 08:21 AM
Now that's what I call Freedom. Great picture of brokenness, greater picture of love. Way to go Nate and thanks for your transparency and encouragement this morning. Freedom in Christ! It does change a man's perspective of true freedom. Go Blue!
Kyle Kaigler
January 12, 2010 08:22 AM
Nate, Thoughtful reflections this morning. Your word choice around heaven being received and not grasped and earth inherited vs. achieved gives me great soul food for the day. Kyle K.
Aaron Horton
January 12, 2010 08:28 AM
Love the way the Lord has gifted you to communicate. Thanks for your words today!
jo tiller
January 12, 2010 09:30 AM
so many of our journey's are enriched by your leadership and your thoughts this morning give encouragement that in spite of our struggles the ransom has been given ...geat devotional...thanks
Kathy Fehlbaum
January 12, 2010 09:41 AM
Thank you for the insights! So true, that it is hard to realy understand that I've been "crucified with Christ," and "it is no longer I who live." I sure do FEEL alive, especially when someone slights me or hurts my feelings. May the Lord make me more conscious of how I can die to self today so that He can be more alive in me.
Cynthia Moore
January 12, 2010 09:42 AM
"Heaven is received, not grasped..." Thank you for your words! I need that reminder. Oh, that I would wrap my life around that truth. Great job!
brandon avance
January 12, 2010 01:20 PM
great stuff. "received not grasped." love it.
Chip
January 12, 2010 01:28 PM
Thanking God for you, your gifts of leadership and the blessings of your friendship. Enjoy sharing life with you even though it became evident we need to go deeper still as I had no idea you knew how to klompen dance.
Lori Shepherd
January 12, 2010 02:11 PM
Thank you for this devo. Performance-based acceptance is a huge struggle for me. I am making it a goal to "die to the pursuit of approval".
Eric Colton
January 12, 2010 03:51 PM
Nate, Thanks for being so transparent. You have always been a great encouragement to me...
Ben Pinto
January 12, 2010 04:35 PM
Nate - In a world that promotes achieving greatness, clawing your way to the top and a quest for success, it is a great reminder to cease striving and know God. Thank you.
Bart Johnston
January 15, 2010 10:06 AM
Nate Thanks for your work with all of us! Have a blessed day!