"Blessed"January 5 Readings: Genesis 11-12, Matthew 5:1-20, Psalm 4, Proverbs 1:10-15
Reading the Bible in 2025
Each day this year we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety.
NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!
Bible Readings: Genesis 11-12, Matthew 5:1-20, Psalm 4, Proverbs 1:10-15
Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version
Daily Devotional: Blessed
Few truths are more contrary to normal human thought than the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10). Each one stands in stark contrast to the way we think; our natural feelings and intents. The Word of God calls us to leave normal behind and live in the light of Christ's person and character.
It begins by telling us that we are blessed when we realize that we are spiritually impoverished, when we realize that we cannot purchase God's favor with our own spiritual resources, and are completely dependent on God's grace. We admit our sin and mourn over its
We are spiritually impoverished and must remember that we have nothing to offer God to earn our place with him. We would never make it in this life without his gift of grace. When we recognize this fact, we must mourn over our sin and failures. This creates in us a humility, a meekness that leads us to both depend on God and to abandon arrogance toward others. Being devoid of our own righteousness, we hunger and thirst for that righteousness that only God can give.
This attitude of humility and dependence on God changes the way we treat other people. A man who realizes his own spiritual poverty can be merciful instead of judgmental, critical or demeaning toward others. One who mourns over sin becomes pure in heart, his desire for the world and its impurities replaced by an overwhelming passion for God and his glory. One who is meek toward God becomes a peacemaker among others. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are willing even to suffer for that righteousness for the glory of God.
Oh, every one of us struggles with this. It is not natural to admit your poverty of spirit. It is natural to be self-centered, to "do-it-yourself," and to lift yourself up in pride. But we are called to live supernaturally, not naturally. No, that is too mystical. We are called to live Christlike lives!
The Beatitudes are, at their core, a description of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. While he was not a sinner like me, he was still humble and meek. He was merciful, pure, a peacemaker, and endured suffering for the glory of God. Jesus is the embodiment of the Beatitudes.
Each believer has a choice. We can live "normal" lives - by worldly values and fleshly power. Or we can live Christlike lives - living the Beatitudes. Let us choose the Christ-life.
It begins by telling us that we are blessed when we realize that we are spiritually impoverished, when we realize that we cannot purchase God's favor with our own spiritual resources, and are completely dependent on God's grace. We admit our sin and mourn over its
We are spiritually impoverished and must remember that we have nothing to offer God to earn our place with him. We would never make it in this life without his gift of grace. When we recognize this fact, we must mourn over our sin and failures. This creates in us a humility, a meekness that leads us to both depend on God and to abandon arrogance toward others. Being devoid of our own righteousness, we hunger and thirst for that righteousness that only God can give.
This attitude of humility and dependence on God changes the way we treat other people. A man who realizes his own spiritual poverty can be merciful instead of judgmental, critical or demeaning toward others. One who mourns over sin becomes pure in heart, his desire for the world and its impurities replaced by an overwhelming passion for God and his glory. One who is meek toward God becomes a peacemaker among others. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are willing even to suffer for that righteousness for the glory of God.
Oh, every one of us struggles with this. It is not natural to admit your poverty of spirit. It is natural to be self-centered, to "do-it-yourself," and to lift yourself up in pride. But we are called to live supernaturally, not naturally. No, that is too mystical. We are called to live Christlike lives!
The Beatitudes are, at their core, a description of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. While he was not a sinner like me, he was still humble and meek. He was merciful, pure, a peacemaker, and endured suffering for the glory of God. Jesus is the embodiment of the Beatitudes.
Each believer has a choice. We can live "normal" lives - by worldly values and fleshly power. Or we can live Christlike lives - living the Beatitudes. Let us choose the Christ-life.
Lord, you are great and glorious. I am weak. Nothing. But I thank you that you can use me even in my weakness. May I live the Christ-life you have set forth for me. Thank you, Lord.
Consider God's Word:
Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today?
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages?
Is there something in your life that needs to change?
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to?
Do you live your life by the way of Christ defined in the Beatitudes, or are you governed by more worldly values?
Meditate on the difference.
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