APRIL 6, Matthew 5:3

Joyce and her family have moved from Singapore because her father has taken a job in China. Her father was a senior manager in a big company and Joyce was very proud of her father’s accomplishments. The house they were to live in was a big luxurious one in an expensive area of Beijing and that made Joyce even more proud. Further, Joyce was a smart girl who did well in school in Singapore and expected to do well in Beijing too.

Joyce’s father, on the other hand, was a humble Christian who despite his wealth and senior company position, was keen to find a good church in Beijing so he can continue to learn God’s Word. Over dinner one evening, he mentioned he was still searching for a good church when Joyce interrupted, “Dad, perhaps we don’t need to search anymore. We already know a lot of the bible and I don’t think there is anything we can learn here. Besides, we are wealthy and sometimes, I wonder if we need God to help us…”

Joyce’ parents were shocked. The night before, they just had family devotion on Matthew 5:3 and dad thought Joyce didn’t seem interested. However, he didn’t confront her as he thought she may have been too tired. But what Joyce said revealed what was in her heart: pride and probably a life not surrendered to Jesus. Dad was very concerned and he once again taught from Matthew 5:3, that the proud won’t inherit the kingdom of heaven as they won’t be saved. Only those who are truly repentant, fully aware that they are absolutely dependent on God alone to help.

As Joyce laid in bed that night, she realized that although she has been to church for years, she has been a secretly proud person and has not really accepted Jesus as Lord. And so that night, she gave her life to Jesus.

Thought: Are you poor in spirit?

Prayer: Most gracious Heavenly Father, help to me trust and depend on You with all my heart. Help me not to rely on myself and my own way of doing things but instead, direct me in all that I do and help me to do Your will all the time. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ most holy and precious name, Amen.