Embracing Humility: The Riches of Spiritual Poverty (06/20/'24) -Message

Embracing Humility: The Riches of Spiritual Poverty Dear Friends, In our world, where wealth and success are often measured by material possessions and outward achievements, it is easy to overlook the deeper, more profound blessings that come from spiritual humility. Today, I invite you to reflect on the paradoxical truth found in the words of Jesus: "You who are poor are blessed because the kingdom of God is yours" (Luke 6:20; Matthew 5:3). In the quiet corners of humble hearts, where the noise of the world fades away, true blessings begin to flow. Here, a profound truth unfolds—those who hold little in the eyes of the world possess the treasures of the Kingdom of God. The poor in spirit, those who recognize their need for God and lean into His grace, find themselves embraced by a blessing that transcends all material wealth. They are blessed, not with the fleeting glitter of gold or the transient sparkle of jewels, but with the eternal glow of holy light. The love of the Kingdom pours into their lives, filling every part of their being with peace and joy. Counting our blessings means looking beyond the visible, seeking the invisible hand of grace that works in the humble and the lowly. It means recognizing that in our deepest need, we are met with God's boundless generosity. His grace flows like a river of life, nourishing our souls, refreshing our spirits, and drawing us ever closer to Him. In the depths of spiritual poverty, there is a richness that the world cannot comprehend. It comes from knowing our place in God's grand design, embracing our need for Him, and finding our identity in the love of Christ. The keys to the Kingdom are given to those who acknowledge their spiritual need, who seek not the riches of the world but the treasures of heaven. Let us, with hearts full of gratitude, count not our wealth in terms of money or possessions, but in the grace that sustains us, the love that surrounds us, and the light that guides us. Let us seek the face of God, knowing that in our poverty, we are truly rich, and in our humility, we are abundantly blessed. In the quiet, humble spaces of our lives, where we acknowledge our need and open our hearts to the Divine, we find the richest blessings of all. We find the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the joy of the Spirit, flowing into our lives and transforming us from within. In embracing the paradox of true riches, we discover that to be poor in spirit is to be abundantly blessed. May we all seek this spiritual humility, finding our true wealth in the love and grace of our Lord. Blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 20, 2024)