Matthew 5:3 "God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them."
Matthew 5 contains one of the most famous passages in the Bible, the Sermon on the Mount. At the very beginning of Jesus' sermon, he includes a series of blessings, today referred to as "The Beatitudes." The word beatitude is from the Latin "beatus" which means blessed or happy. In Jesus' first blessing in this collection, he says that those who realize their need for God will be blessed. Not only will they be blessed, but the "Kingdom of Heaven is given to them."
I find it interesting that the very first blessing in this very important sermon simply reminds us of our need for God. If I am to be a ripple maker I need God. If I am going to make ripples with my life, my finances, my words, my deeds, and my influence, I must have a complete dependancy and reliance on God. I cannot make ripples on my own. I must daily spend time with God and turn over my ambitions and goals to Him. As I decide my role in this ripple movement, I must first seek God's will for my life.
Dear Jesus, help me rely on you and to daily remember I am yours. Remind me that without you, I cannot make any ripples. Amen.
