What Jesus Did! 'In Need of God' — Matthew 5:3

Friday, February 7, 2025

[Jesus taught:]
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."
— Matthew 5:3 NLT

Key Thought

The Kingdom family is made up of people who know they have deep spiritual needs. When we come into the presence of God, we are awed into a profound sense of humility as well as a deep conviction of our lack of holiness and character before his majesty. While we deeply want to be like our Father, we recognize that our greatest sacrifices and efforts to live Godly lives cannot make us worthy to approach him. Yet God urges us to come to him. So we come, but with humility and thanksgiving, knowing that it is only by his grace and Jesus' gift that we can come.

Today's Prayer

Holy and majestic God, I come to you, unworthy to even speak in your presence, yet you graciously welcome me as your child. Thank you for the many ways you have blessed me and filled my life with joy, meaning, and hope. All that I have that is good has come because of your blessing. Your strength and mercy have given me the ability to face the difficulties and tragedies of my life. My hopes and dreams are in your hands. Thank you for caring for me. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 5:3
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
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Article by Tom Norvell
What do you do when you don't feel like you have anything to offer? Tom Norvell reminds us to listen to God when we feel like we have nothing to offer, and if we do, we will realize that is enough.
The Blessing of the Powerless
Article by Tom Norvell
What blessing can there be in powerlessness? Life is full of events that make us feel and actually be powerless, but that is exactly where God can work in our life the most.
Our Weakness, God's Power
Article by Max Lucado
They laugh because they have given up hope, and hope born anew is always funny before it is real.
See All 14 Related Resources about Matthew 5:3

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:3 NLT — [Jesus taught:] "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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