The Poor in Spirit

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

The Bible presents many paradoxes that challenge our human way of thinking. We think of the poor as possessing very little, yet Jesus said the riches of heaven belong to the poor in spirit. Self-reliance robs us of God’s good gifts.

Jesus insisted that in order to follow Him we must deny self. As long as we rely on our own resources, we will never place our trust in Him. As we acknowledge the poverty of our souls, we realize how desperately we need a Savior. Jesus declared: “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17). God has so much to give the one who recognizes his need and will call upon Jesus!

Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. He had just encountered the rich ruler, who valued his possessions so much that he could not give them up to follow Jesus (Luke 18:18–24). Jesus later encountered Zaccheus, a wealthy, notorious sinner (Luke 19:1–10). Despite Zaccheus’s material wealth, he recognized his spiritual poverty and found salvation. Jesus taught the disciples that true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Those who realize their inherent spiritual poverty apart from God will trust in Him, and He will enrich their lives immeasurably. Do not allow your resources, wisdom, talent, or abilities to prevent you from trusting the Person who can bring you abundant life.

Experiencing God Day-by-Day

Henry and Marilynn Blackaby served in churches in California before serving 18 years in Canada where they saw many new churches begun. They raised their five children in Canada. It was also at that time that God taught the Blackabys the truths concerning walking with God that would eventually become the basis for the best selling book, Experiencing God. Raised in that environment, all five children sensed a unique call of God into ministry. Their oldest son, Dr. Richard Blackaby currently serves as President of Blackaby Ministries International and resides in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Thomas Blackaby is the former senior pastor of the North Sea Baptist Church in Stavanger, Norway and now is Director of International Ministries for Blackaby Ministries International. He and his family reside in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Dr. Melvin Blackaby is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Georgia. Dr. Norman Blackaby is a professor at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. Carrie Blackaby-Webb is a career missionary serving in Germany.