A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, Sept. 2
Matthew 5:1-11
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“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.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
Reading about the beatitudes this morning, I saw them contrasted with the Ten Commandments. Where the commandments tell us what not to ever do, the beatitudes describe what God loves to see in us- how to be. We should seek to be humble and honest, merciful, and willing to admit our neediness for God and his indwelling Spirit. I know from experience that if I begin to feel as if I am in control, or do not need any help, I am setting myself up for a tough time. God knows that we need him, and the Beatitudes remind us of the many ways this need shows up in our lives.
Holy Lord, thank you for reminding me that I was created to seek you. I need you in every corner of my life. I am not in control, but I know that you are. This brings me indescribable comfort. I am truly grateful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 6:1-11
In a world where a lot of people find fulfillment in power, success, in making sure everyone likes them, in protecting themselves, and perhaps, even getting even with others, the Beatitudes teach us the opposite, I should find fulfillment in being humble, in being compassionate, in being forgiving, in helping others, and in staying faithful.
What am I becoming? Do I possess these qualities? The Beatitudes helps me to see a picture of a heart that is becoming more like Jesus.
Heavenly Father, please help me to have the kind of heart that You describe in the Beatitudes. Thank You for reminding me that You see me, love me, and are always with me. Amen.
Matthew 5:1-11. Blessings of Humility
The prayer focus in today’s Upper Room was for “people serving in the background.” They are people that keep things moving along. Our culture runs on background people. They are the transportation people we seldom think of when we buy things. How do we think they arrived where you bought them. All the people who clean our offices and schools, etc. overnight so they are clean and ready for us in the morning, Then I think of the entertainment industry, 90% of the people involved in a movie are simply a long list of names scrolling quickly as we leave the theater. Some singers have background singers and dancers to enhance their own ta…
Daily devotions
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
The Blessing Of Humility
(Focus:) People Serving In The Back Ground
Today’s Reading. Matthew 5:1-11
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The reading for today is called the Sermon On The Mount because Jesus gave it on a hillside(kind of like a mountain) near Capernaum. Matthew 5:3 ("Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven") seems contradictive because it shows a negative, painful condition (poor in spirit) with a positive reward ("blessed" or happy), this is confusing. (for me at least). Society usually thinks that being blessed or successful means strength, confidence, wealth, and high status. Jesus instead praises the…
Matthew 5:1-11
The Sermon on the Mount contains all the essentials of living the Christian life and the Beatitudes are the perfect introduction. Being “poor in spirit,” a key phrase in the focus verse of this passage, can mean many things. Regardless of how it is interpreted, Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven. In this context, for me, poor in spirit implies surrender to God of all notions I am the master of my own destiny. In making God sovereign of my life, striving to love God, love neighbor and dying to self, Jesus says I become part of the kingdom of heaven. Life experience and the Holy Spirit have convinced me of the eternal truth in this teaching.
Prayer…