Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
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Several years ago I had the privilege of going to Kenya with three brothers in Christ. One of these brothers is a full time missionary who helps teach Bible stories to others in lands where few are literate and story-telling is how teaching takes place.
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While there, we spent time in a village where the humble dwellings were made of dung...tradition is for the woman to build the home in preparation for marriage. We were invited in to share a meal of rice and beans. The eyes of the wife were warm and she was happy to serve us.
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Outside, many children ran around, laughing and playing.
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There was a strong sense that these were people who were enjoying life, despite the absolute lack of any comfort or modern convenience.
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I thought of my American life, filled with so many conveniences, so much technology, all the physical comforts. And yet, many here are not happy.
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We hear so much of the quality of life as measured by the dollar. May we hear more of the quality of life as measured by the Kingdom of God. It is true, I believe, that we are more spirit than we are flesh. It's just that the flesh tends to smother the spirit and convince us that life is all about those things that satisfy on the surface. In that sense, many here are poor but few realize their poverty.
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When the Pilgrims crossed an ocean to make a new life it was out of the poverty of their spirit and their desire to worship and walk with God in joy. Others crossed to become rich in other ways.
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I hope that we will rediscover the blessings of spiritual poverty...that we might come to the One who makes us rich in His presence, through the gateway of His Son.
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blessings,
Rob Smith
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"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
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