The Law in 90 Days: Exodus 5-6
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 5:3 (ESV); Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Yesterday we talked about simplifying our lives so that God can become our treasure. It is important
to note that God created a world full of things for us to enjoy but these things were never meant to
become the centre of our lives and they were never meant to replace God as the centre of our lives.
Unfortunately, sin has complicated the world and the things that God has given us to enjoy have
often become a source of ruin to man’s soul. Have you ever noticed that no one has to teach a
toddler to be selfish? The words “MINE” come quite naturally to young children as they snatch toys
away from siblings and friends. Jesus taught His disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and
whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt 16:24-25). What does it mean for you
to deny self? In pursuing God the path to deeper knowledge of God will require denying your “self”
or denying your flesh. This is one of the characteristics of those who are poor in spirit. These are
the people who are not slaves to the “things” in their lives but rather have become slaves of Christ
(1 Cor. 7:22). This should make you feel a bit uncomfortable for this is not something that you can
merely believe as doctrine; this requires a lifelong pursuit of denying yourself which is taken one
step at a time. It requires that we listen to God and obey Him each step of the way. If we refuse to
take the next step then our entire journey in pursuing God comes to a halt. Pursuing God is not for
the faint of heart.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to reveal to you which “things” in your life you have become a slave to. Then ask the
Lord for a strategy in dying to yourself in these areas. Ask Him for a practical step that you can
take to move past this hindrance.
2. Pray that you would be willing to obey Matt 16:24-25, that you would grow in denying yourself
and following Him. Ask God to show you what this means for you today. Pray that you will
obey what God is showing you.
