February 5

Three Thoughts

The kingdom of heaven is given to those who know they need it. It's given to the spiritually desperate, the ones who humble themselves and claim their need of God's intervention, not those who think they can do it all on their own. There's a Bible verse that talks about being "poor in spirit," which is a heart posture that makes room for God. Blessed are those who come to him with open hands, ready to receive.

MATTHEW 5:3

Want to be great in God's kingdom? Grab a towel. While the world fights with each other over who is greatest, Jesus says real greatness looks like serving others. The one washing feet is more important than the one sitting at the head of the table. In the upside down kingdom, the ladder goes down, not up.

MATTHEW 20:26-27

Jesus didn't say blessed are those who become poor. He said blessed are those who know they already have great needs - those who need the help of God. When you stop pretending you have it all together, that's when the kingdom becomes yours.

LUKE 6:20

Two Quotes

Author and teacher Max Lucado on being changed by God:

"God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus."

Theologian and pastor Walter Rauschenbusch on our purpose:

"The kingdom of God is not a matter of getting individuals to heaven, but of transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven."

Prayer

Dear God, I confess that I often try to climb the ladder instead of kneeling at the bottom. I want to be recognized. I want status. I want to have my life together. But you say that the way up is down. So teach me to serve without being seen this week. I want to be more like you. Amen.

Question

Where in your life are you still trying to climb the world's ladder instead of kneeling at the foot of the cross?

See you next Thursday,
Zach

P.S. I’m two chapter in on writing my next book and I’ve already scrapped all of my ideas twice haha! That’s the way it goes!