EMPTY BUT BLESSED 7.27.25
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
At the start of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turns worldly wisdom upside down: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Our culture often praises strength, confidence, and self-sufficiency, but Jesus declares blessing for those who come to God, recognizing their need.
Being “poor in spirit” doesn’t mean lacking confidence or living in poverty. It means realizing that apart from God, we are spiritually bankrupt. We have nothing to offer that could earn His love or favor. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable who could only whisper, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” we find true justification not in what we’ve done, but in humbly admitting our need for God’s grace.
James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride, self-reliance, and bitterness crowd our hearts and leave no room for His blessings. But when we come empty-handed—acknowledging our need—God fills us with His presence and power.
The promise for the poor in spirit is astonishing: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This isn’t just a future hope, but a present reality. Just like the thief on the cross who had nothing to offer but his desperate need, we too receive the fullness of God’s grace when we reach out to Him with empty hands.
Spiritual maturity isn’t becoming more independent, but more dependent on God. As we empty ourselves of pride and control, we make space for God’s Spirit to transform us. When we come poor in spirit, we leave rich in His mercy.
REFLECT |
Being “poor in spirit” doesn’t mean lacking confidence or living in poverty. It means realizing that apart from God, we are spiritually bankrupt. We have nothing to offer that could earn His love or favor. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable who could only whisper, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” we find true justification not in what we’ve done, but in humbly admitting our need for God’s grace.
James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride, self-reliance, and bitterness crowd our hearts and leave no room for His blessings. But when we come empty-handed—acknowledging our need—God fills us with His presence and power.
The promise for the poor in spirit is astonishing: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This isn’t just a future hope, but a present reality. Just like the thief on the cross who had nothing to offer but his desperate need, we too receive the fullness of God’s grace when we reach out to Him with empty hands.
Spiritual maturity isn’t becoming more independent, but more dependent on God. As we empty ourselves of pride and control, we make space for God’s Spirit to transform us. When we come poor in spirit, we leave rich in His mercy.
REFLECT |
- Where might pride or self-reliance be keeping you from receiving God’s grace fully?
- How can you practice coming before God “empty-handed” this week?
- In what ways do you sense God filling your spiritual emptiness with His presence?
BIBLE VERSES
Key Verses are denoted with an *
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DAY 1 | EMBRACING SPIRITUAL POVERTY
In the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are 'poor in spirit.' This is a radical departure from worldly values that prize strength and self-sufficiency. Being 'poor in spirit' isn't about financial status or low self-esteem; it's about recognizing our complete spiritual destitution before God. It's acknowledging that without divine mercy, we cannot survive spiritually. Jesus illustrates this principle through the parable of two temple-goers: a proud Pharisee who listed his accomplishments, and a humble tax collector who simply begged for mercy. Only the latter went home justified. This teaches us that grace begins where pride ends. When our cups are full of pride, self-sufficiency, control issues, or bitterness, there's no room for God's blessings. As James 4:6 states, 'But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."' Let's start this journey by emptying our cups of pride and self-sufficiency, making room for God's grace to fill us.
BIBLE VERSE |
"'But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."' - James 4:6
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What areas of your life are filled with pride or self-sufficiency, preventing you from receiving God's grace?
QUOTE |
Grace. It begins when pride ends.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to recognize my spiritual poverty and to empty my cup of pride and self-sufficiency. Fill me with Your grace and presence. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
"'But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."' - James 4:6
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What areas of your life are filled with pride or self-sufficiency, preventing you from receiving God's grace?
QUOTE |
Grace. It begins when pride ends.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to recognize my spiritual poverty and to empty my cup of pride and self-sufficiency. Fill me with Your grace and presence. Amen.
DAY 2 | THE BLESSING OF EMPTINESS
Jesus' statement, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,' is a promise that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who recognize their spiritual emptiness. This isn't just a future reward but a present reality. When we come to God empty, acknowledging our spiritual poverty, we leave filled with His presence and power. The world tells us to be strong, impressive, and self-sufficient. But Jesus says, 'Come empty, come desperate, come real poor in spirit.' This is where true blessing begins. When we let go of our pride and self-sufficiency, we make room for God's blessings to pour into our lives. As Matthew 5:3 states, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Let's embrace our spiritual emptiness and allow God to fill us with His grace and blessings.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' - Matthew 5:3
REFLECTION QUESTION |
How can you embrace your spiritual emptiness today and make room for God's blessings?
QUOTE |
Blessed are the empty cups. That's me and you.
PRAYER |
Lord, I come to You empty and desperate. Fill me with Your presence and power. Help me to embrace my spiritual poverty and rely on Your grace. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' - Matthew 5:3
REFLECTION QUESTION |
How can you embrace your spiritual emptiness today and make room for God's blessings?
QUOTE |
Blessed are the empty cups. That's me and you.
PRAYER |
Lord, I come to You empty and desperate. Fill me with Your presence and power. Help me to embrace my spiritual poverty and rely on Your grace. Amen.
DAY 3 | THE STARTING PLACE FOR GRACE
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector teaches us that grace begins where pride ends. The Pharisee came to the temple full of pride, listing his accomplishments, while the tax collector came with desperation in his soul, simply begging for mercy. Only the tax collector went home justified. This parable illustrates that God responds to those who are poor in spirit. It's the starting place for grace. When we come to God with empty hands, acknowledging our need for His mercy, He fills us with His grace and blessings. As Luke 18:14 states, 'I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.' Let's come to God with humility and desperation, making room for His grace to fill our lives.
BIBLE VERSE |
'I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.' - Luke 18:14
REFLECTION QUESTION |
In what ways can you humble yourself before God today and make room for His grace?
QUOTE |
The tax collector, he didn't come for any performance or pride. He came with this desperation and his soul. And that's exactly what God responds to. To the poor, in spirit. It's the starting place for grace.
PRAYER |
Lord, I come to You with humility and desperation. Fill me with Your grace and mercy. Help me to let go of my pride and self-sufficiency. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.' - Luke 18:14
REFLECTION QUESTION |
In what ways can you humble yourself before God today and make room for His grace?
QUOTE |
The tax collector, he didn't come for any performance or pride. He came with this desperation and his soul. And that's exactly what God responds to. To the poor, in spirit. It's the starting place for grace.
PRAYER |
Lord, I come to You with humility and desperation. Fill me with Your grace and mercy. Help me to let go of my pride and self-sufficiency. Amen.
DAY 4 | DEPENDENCE ON GOD
Spiritual maturity isn't about becoming more independent; it's about becoming more dependent on God. The world tells us to be self-sufficient and to have it all together, but Jesus calls us to come to Him empty and desperate, acknowledging our need for His grace and guidance. When we recognize our spiritual poverty and depend on God, we experience His presence and power in our lives. As John 15:5 states, 'I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' Let's strive for spiritual maturity by becoming more dependent on God and less reliant on our own strength.
BIBLE VERSE |
'I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' - John 15:5
REFLECTION QUESTION |
How can you become more dependent on God and less reliant on your own strength today?
QUOTE |
Spiritual maturity is never where you become more independent and less prayerful to God, less desperate. That is not spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is actually becoming more dependent on God.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to become more dependent on You and less reliant on my own strength. Fill me with Your presence and power. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' - John 15:5
REFLECTION QUESTION |
How can you become more dependent on God and less reliant on your own strength today?
QUOTE |
Spiritual maturity is never where you become more independent and less prayerful to God, less desperate. That is not spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is actually becoming more dependent on God.
PRAYER |
Lord, help me to become more dependent on You and less reliant on my own strength. Fill me with Your presence and power. Amen.
DAY 5 | LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD
It's time to let go of our pride, self-sufficiency, and control issues, and to let God fill our lives with His grace and blessings. When we hold on to these things, we cap the blessings that God wants to pour into our lives. But when we let go and let God, we make room for His presence and power to work in us. As Psalm 51:17 states, 'My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.' Let's come to God with a broken and contrite heart, acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace. When we do, we will experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives.
BIBLE VERSE |
'My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.' - Psalm 51:17
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What do you need to let go of today to make room for God's blessings in your life?
QUOTE |
It's time to dump the cup. Let the pride hit the floor. Please let go and let God and tell him this morning, God, I need you.
PRAYER |
Lord, I let go of my pride, self-sufficiency, and control issues. Fill me with Your grace and blessings. Help me to rely on You and to experience the fullness of Your presence and power. Amen.
BIBLE VERSE |
'My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.' - Psalm 51:17
REFLECTION QUESTION |
What do you need to let go of today to make room for God's blessings in your life?
QUOTE |
It's time to dump the cup. Let the pride hit the floor. Please let go and let God and tell him this morning, God, I need you.
PRAYER |
Lord, I let go of my pride, self-sufficiency, and control issues. Fill me with Your grace and blessings. Help me to rely on You and to experience the fullness of Your presence and power. Amen.
ACTION STEP
This week, take time each morning to identify what might be filling your spiritual cup - pride, self-reliance, bitterness, or control. Create a daily ritual of symbolically emptying your cup before God in prayer, acknowledging your spiritual poverty and need for Him. Then, throughout the day, notice moments when you're tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's. Practice immediately surrendering those moments through brief prayers like, 'God, I need you in this moment.' At the end of the week, reflect on how this practice of intentional emptiness has changed your perspective and your relationship with God.
PRAYER
Lord God, we thank You for reminding us that Your kingdom belongs to those who come to You empty-handed and broken-hearted. Forgive us for the times we've approached You with pride, self-sufficiency, or pretense. Help us to daily empty our cups of everything that isn't You, so that we can be filled with Your presence, Your grace, and Your power. Give us the courage to live in humble dependence on You, knowing that true blessing comes not from our strength but from our surrender. May we leave this discussion changed, with hearts more aware of our need for You and more open to Your work in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
BIBLE APP PLANS
The Sermon on the Mount
10 Days – RZMI Life Focus Society
For many, the Beatitudes are about how we can be blessed; about what we must do if we are to be blessed. So, we think: If we want the kingdom of heaven, then we should be poor in spirit; if we want to be comforted, then we should mourn; if we want to inherit the earth, then we must be meek and humble; if we want to be satisfied, then we should hunger and thirst for righteousness; if want to receive mercy, then we must be merciful; if we want to see God, then we must be pure in heart; if we want to be called children of God, then we must be peacemakers.
But is this really the case? No.
In reality, the Beatitudes are not telling us to do anything. The beatitudes are merely describing our human state and situation in general, and how the coming of Christ makes a difference to our states of existence.
10 Days – RZMI Life Focus Society
For many, the Beatitudes are about how we can be blessed; about what we must do if we are to be blessed. So, we think: If we want the kingdom of heaven, then we should be poor in spirit; if we want to be comforted, then we should mourn; if we want to inherit the earth, then we must be meek and humble; if we want to be satisfied, then we should hunger and thirst for righteousness; if want to receive mercy, then we must be merciful; if we want to see God, then we must be pure in heart; if we want to be called children of God, then we must be peacemakers.
But is this really the case? No.
In reality, the Beatitudes are not telling us to do anything. The beatitudes are merely describing our human state and situation in general, and how the coming of Christ makes a difference to our states of existence.
Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes
30 Days – People's Church
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most incredible passages of scripture in the entire Bible. It is the longest passage of Jesus speaking without interruption. The Beatitudes, or attitudes of supreme blessing, are a roadmap for our lives, teaching us to reflect the nature of Jesus Christ in every interaction. Throughout this devotional, we will spend three days on each beatitude, ending with a focus on applying the entirety of it to our daily lives.
30 Days – People's Church
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most incredible passages of scripture in the entire Bible. It is the longest passage of Jesus speaking without interruption. The Beatitudes, or attitudes of supreme blessing, are a roadmap for our lives, teaching us to reflect the nature of Jesus Christ in every interaction. Throughout this devotional, we will spend three days on each beatitude, ending with a focus on applying the entirety of it to our daily lives.
Pride Vs Humility (Youth)
5 Days – Hope Media
Pride and humility. Two words that contradict one another but also, in our humanity, two things with which we really struggle. At times it can feel like letting go of pride weakens us, and humility makes us small and insignificant, however, that’s not the case. In fact, the Bible tells us that pride is our enemy, and humility is the position of our heart that God desires for us.
5 Days – Hope Media
Pride and humility. Two words that contradict one another but also, in our humanity, two things with which we really struggle. At times it can feel like letting go of pride weakens us, and humility makes us small and insignificant, however, that’s not the case. In fact, the Bible tells us that pride is our enemy, and humility is the position of our heart that God desires for us.
WATCH THE SERMON
Posted in The Beatitudes
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