April 16 Not Weakness!

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What does it mean to be meek? First, let me tell you what it is not before I tell you what it is.

Meekness is not weakness. Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29, KJV). If you think meekness is a weakness, go a week trying to be meek. The Bible says Moses was the meekest man on earth (see Numbers 12:3), yet he performed miracles, defied Pharaoh, and led a nation for 40 years.

“Meek” means yielded. It is strength under control. When an animal, especially a horse, is domesticated, it is trained so a rider can sit on its back or it can pull a plow. The proper term for bringing the animal under discipline is “meeked.” Its will has been broken. Now it yields to the rider or the yoke. It still has the same fire, the same drive, the same instincts, but now there's a bit, a bridle, and a saddle. God does not hobble the horse; He energizes it. Now it exhibits strength under control. I still have ambition, but now my ambition is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s what meekness is.

ACTION POINT:

Read Matthew 11:29 and 21:5. What does Jesus say about Himself and how can you emulate Him?

Adrian Rogers

April 15 Time to Declare Bankruptcy

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? Jesus is talking about being a beggar. He is saying, “Blessed are the beggars.” He’s not talking about finances here. He’s talking about a person being poor spiritually.

That is, blessed are those who see their spiritual need, who see they’re bankrupt in the sight of a righteous, holy God, who are broken over their sins, and who repent and turn from their sins, for they will be truly blessed.

Before a person can enter into the kingdom of Heaven, he must first admit that no matter how much he may have in the material realm or in the psychological realm, he is absolutely and totally spiritually bankrupt and a beggar before God. If he doesn’t see that, he will never, ever get into the kingdom of Heaven.

ACTION POINT:

It’s time to realize that without Jesus Christ, we are totally bankrupt before God. I’ve often said I’m just one beggar showing another beggar where to find food. Do you see yourself as a beggar in need of the Bread of Heaven?

Adrian Rogers

April 14 Who Are You, When You’re All Alone?

Matthew 5:3-12

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

In Matthew chapter 5, the Lord Jesus Christ gives us beatitudes—attitudes that ought to be. Not platitudes—they’re attitudes that deal with Christian character. Really, they are a blueprint for happiness, a blueprint for your character. They’re foundation stones for building your home and your life.

The beatitudes don’t say, “Blessed is what you have,” or “Blessed is what you do,” but “Blessed is what you are.” Your reputation is what others think about you, but character is what God knows about you.

Friend, all of us are going to die, and when you do, you'll leave behind all that you have and all that you've done. But you'll take with you all that you are. It's character that is so important. That's why it's more important to seek blessedness than happiness.

It has well been said that a child rejoices in what he has, a youth rejoices in what he does, but an adult rejoices in what he is. The more mature you are as a Christian, the more you will rejoice, not in what you have or what you do, but in what you are through the Lord Jesus Christ.

ACTION POINT:

Have you been finding your self-worth in what you have or in what you do? Confess it before the Lord and meditate on the attitudes you ought to have according to Matthew 5:3-11.

Adrian Rogers