“and he began to teach them, saying: ‘They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty,for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. They are blessed who grieve, for God will comfort them. They are blessed who are humble, for the whole earth will be theirs. They are blessed who hunger and thirst after justice, for they will be satisfied. They are blessed who show mercy to others,for God will show mercy to them. They are blessed whose thoughts are pure, for they will see God. They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God’s children. They are blessed who are persecuted for doing good, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.’ [Matthew 5:2-10]

What it means to be successful in today’s society is completely different from what it means to be successful in the Bible. Money has definitely become something we so heavily rely on. In reality, it should be Jesus who we should depend on. It’s like if I don’t have the latest this or if I don’t have that then I’ll never be happy. I’ll never be considered as fortunate. But that’s all a lie. Having Jesus in our lives should be our greatest fortune. It’s even better than winning the lottery. If I don’t have God living in me, I’m useless. I’m not bringing anyone to the Kingdom of Heaven. I’m bankrupt. I’m poor without Christ in me.

I don’t have to own a fancy this or a nice that or have a successful this or that to be considered as rich. With God, I’m rich in every aspect. I’m rich in love. I’m rich in peace. I’m rich in joy. I’m rich enough in finances. I’m rich with eternal life. But all that wealth still doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to God. I have to continuously give it back to Him. I must give what I have to those in need. There’s someone that needs to receive peace. There’s someone that needs love, someone that needs joy. I must occupy the area in which I’m at and be that. God wants to use me. He can only do that if He occupies my everything.

The pastor at the church I attend said prayer should be the first response not the last resort. As I face different circumstances, I often find myself considering prayer as my last option. Sometimes I get to pray and sometimes I never even pray. It’s something that doesn’t cross my mind often, but it should! It has to be the first thing I do. In every circumstance. Prayer is powerful. Prayer can change things. God most definitely answers prayers… even before they even cross our minds or leave our mouths!

I thank You for this new yearning to serve You. I find myself questioning where are the people that need to see You. Am I only supposed to do it with the people around me right now? Do I wait, patiently planted in Your Word? I’m placed in this circumstance for a reason. I don’t know how but I do know I have to edify You in all that I do. I pray for the strength to continue this fast. My body feels a little funny. I don’t know what is happening, but I believe all will turn out just fine. I don’t want to be so lost in the things of this world. I want to be so lost in You. Engulf me in Your presence. Wrap me in Your arms. Fill me up. Help me to be a light and spread You in my world. I want to serve You. You see this servant heart. You made it yourself. Tear apart every selfish desire I have within me. I pray You continue to reveal Yourself to me. I want to know more about You. I want more of You and all You have to offer. Thank You for all You have blessed me with. Thank You for all You are doing in my life. Don’t stop, and don’t let me feel discouraged.