Day 13

January 23

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."  - Matthew 5:3-6 (NIV)

The word "beatitude" means "supreme blessing."  Jesus teaches us that the supreme blessing of receiving the kingdom of heaven begins with poverty of spirit. To be broken before the Lord is the doorway to the kingdom. The first half of the beatitudes all involve humbling ourselves before the Lord. The second half largely involves humbling ourselves before others. 

So how do we humble ourselves before the Living God, so that we might receive his Kingdom, and freely give it to others? What action can we take to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, so that he may lift us up? We fast in Jesus Name. 

John Wesley taught about "the means of grace." These are actions and disciplines we as believers can practice, humbling ourselves and drawing near to God. Reading scripture, prayer, corporate worship, and the sacraments are all means of grace. One of the most powerful means of grace is to humble ourselves in the presence of Christ, is to fast. Jesus himself modeled this for forty days in the wilderness before he began his ministry. This 21-day global fast is a means for us to become poor in spirit, to mourn, to become meek, and to become hungry and thirsty for righteousness. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we fast in your Presence, teach us humility, that we may receive and freely give your Kingdom to the nations this year. In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.

Chris Pulice

Church Development Network, Columbus, GA