Advent: God's Path - Tuesday, December 17
Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
No matter how much you possess, can you ever be materially rich enough to please God?
I can’t help but think about that young rich ruler who struggled to give up his worldly possessions when Jesus asked him to give up all of his riches and follow him. Our Heavenly Father is not impressed with our worldly wealth. Fast cars, big boats, multiple properties - they are nothing to the Creator of the Universe. He wants to see how we are advancing His kingdom here on earth, not accumulating stuff. How can we ever understand the true purpose of life if we are chasing worldly materials?
When I first arrived in Arizona, I was “poor in Spirit.” I had no idea what God wanted me to do; I had nobody locally to talk to about my ministry. The only hope I had was to turn to the Lord. So, I jumped in with faith and continual prayer, asking for direction, asking for the right people to come into my life for guidance, asking for purpose.
God is always listening. He is waiting for you to ask, so He can open the door to His will and His purpose for you. Be prepared! It is seldom an easy road He will put you on, and often very humbling. Believe me, I know. He has humbled me so that I was able to see what it was that He wanted me to do. But without the process, I doubt I could have understood my spiritual purpose.
I have been blessed to serve our Native brothers and sisters here and across the country who struggle with addictions. God has opened my eyes to faith, hope and love. Each of these carries a powerful message to my brothers and sisters. It is through this message, we see a pathway to healing through the pain and suffering of this world.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your wisdom and for letting us know, through your Word, that we are blessed no matter how things are going in our lives. Forgive us, Father, for seeing things from a worldly view. Bring us closer to you by opening our spiritual eyes and ears, so that we may watch and listen for the answers to our prayers. Help us to always put “Gichi Manidoo Akewe” (God First) in all we do. Thank you, Father, for your tender love and mercies. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.