"When Things Go Beyond the Spirit" (True Celebrities Part I)

Fiction:

I strolled to my office window and pushed the blinds apart so I could look outside. Everything seemed calm out there. But right there in the parking lot sat my BMW-645 staring right back at me with its big old headlights. Could it be beckoning for me to come back to it? "Come back to me Temisan, please come back." Of course not! It was just the fear in me speaking- the part of me that wanted to run away from my office and head back home. I wanted to run towards the elevator, go down to the first floor, and waltz through the big black doors of this huge building. I wanted to run into the receiving arms of my BMW-645.


I was afraid, so much that I almost peed in my pants. And it was all because of that email. At 7.30a.m, Mr. Rufus, the CEO of Inspiring Missions sent me an email. Thinking it was a mass email to the entire office I opened it with glee, only to find out the email was just for me.

Ms. Temisan,
It has come to my attention that you are the best at the project management for your branch. If possible, I would like to schedule a crucial meeting with you this afternoon. During this meeting, I will propose that you take over the leadership in certain areas of the branch. Please respond as soon as you can.

Thank you

R. Matthew

I reflected on the note once again. I had only been working for this company for 6 months. This was certainly beyond my spirit. God, this is all You. Thank You for bringing me to where I am today. I bless Your Name. I will be a leader, because You will provide the strength and the wisdom for me to be one.

* * * * * *

I'm writing a new series called "True Celebrities" where I plan to talk about the Beatitudes (Matthew 5)-the ones whose footsteps are carefully watched by the eyes of God.

Who are these people? They surround you. They can be found amongst the six billion, six hundred and ninety-two million, thirty thousand, two hundred and seventy-seven people of the world, and you may even be part of them. The first category of true celebrities is the "Poor in Spirit."

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Temisan's words at the end of the story depicts a certain "poorness of spirit." What does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? The Forerunner Commentary gives us an idea: "Of the two Greek words translated "poor" in the new testament, Penes designates the working poor who have little or no property (e.g. the poor widow); Ptochos signifies total dependence on others for help (e.g. poor in spirit)." They are two different things.

I thought about it some more and got it: Ptochos was what Jesus was referring to when He said "blessed are the poor in spirit." But this deficiency or poorness is not to any man, and not as a result of lack of money or property, but it is unto God. It signifies someone who knows that many things in life are not by our own strengths or prowess, but by God's grace. When you are poor in spirit, you will walk around with your head held high, but deep within you will know your success comes only from God. To be poor in spirit involves a certain incompleteness or deficiency without God. A sort of "I cannot do this myself" attitude or "this is beyond my own spirit" way of life. This category of people belong to the true celebrities list in God's book, because they give Him all the glory.

Do you often tell yourself that you are where you are right now because God is working on you? Then you must be threading on things that are beyond your spirit and bigger than yourself. Are you?

30 comments:

Favorsheart said...

First!!

Total dependence on God reminds me of a child who is not afraid to jump becos Daddy's promised to catch him...the child would definitely walk with his head high...becos he's confident that Daddy never says a thing and not do it.

My prayer is that i always remember that as long as i am not responsible for the air i breathe, then i cannot count on myself(or anyother) to keep me running...thats His job.

Thanks for the post. Great week!

Unknown said...

Jay,

you know why I love this post? It sure has something to do with me. You must have read a little about my story (from some of the analogies I do give) since you've been following my blog.

Cos I started a PhD @ 23, many often call me a genius. May didnt know how much I had failed in life. It's so much of a surprise to me where I am today. I didn't skip MSc; I actually did it but God in his mercies, brought me here.

I love the words of Hannah in 1Sam 2:9, "...For by strength no man shall prevail." That, I beliv reveals being poor in spirit. More like.. "without God... I am nothing"; "if not for God... where would I be". Total dependence on Him, not on our strengths, brilliance or energy but on His ability to sail us through...

Thanks Jay. More grease!

- LDP
http://dynamiqueprofesseur.blogspot.com

Harry said...

Can't wait to read more from the series

NakedSha said...

true celebrities...

Bless you oh, please keep writing.

Jennifer A. said...

@Favor's Heart...I love your analogy of the child who held his head high, because he was confident that daddy was not against his action. I really wanted to point out in this post that to be "poor in spirit" does not equal a lack of confidence in oneself. Thank u so much...great week :)

@LDP...of course, I read all about that...I was actually shocked when you told of how you were first a failure, then I realized that God uses our mess to teach others a message. I mean, how will you have a testimony if you don't go through a test? Thanks for that beautiful scripture. It sums it up...not by my strength...

@Harry...how r u? Can't wait either...

@NakedSha...:)

Giagerry said...

ahhh im overly excited--This is one part pf the bible that I have always wanted more light shed on--yayyyy!
Nd i loved it--poor in spirit explanation.
Really nice Jaycee--cant wait for the reset of the true celebs!!
visit my blog and share some insight J!

DayDreamer said...

I love the Beatitudes. Looking forward to the others!

Rose said...

I particularly like the definition of poor in spirit! Brings a fresh insight to my understanding...

I look forward to true celebrities...

Have a nice, productive week Jaycee!

theoracle said...

Hi,

I'm a silent follower of your blog and your writings are such an inspiration to my life. I was really blessed by this post. This revelation was insightful. I knew poor in spirit had to mean more than lack of material things. May God continue to annoint your pen (or whatever writing materials you use).

Jennifer A. said...

@Gee, I myself can't wait to see what God will teach us as we plunge forward. So my computer was being a total flop this morning and I couldn't play your video, but I'm about to try one more time. I like the video-blog idea, really! Tempted to try it soon...if I'm bold enough like you, lol.

@Homie, you do???? Me too...they're kinda like mysteries.

@theoracle...thank u so much for those encouraging words. Amen to the continuous flow of ink...(I'll hold on to that).

Mwajim Al said...

Story of my life, my whole being, from day 1 to now has all been by His grace. Sometimes, even when I try to think the things worked out because I worked for it or that it was bound to happen, I realize the lie in that, and see how it was nothing short of God's hand. My constant prayer is that He opens my eyes to see His hand in all areas of my life.
I am excited the series idea :) Can't wait to read your perspectives on the beatitudes.
Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

i've been thinking about grace all weekends. To God be the glory indeed. We are mere human beings and its so good knowing that he has a purpose for all of us but the achievements and blessings, here on earth - those are all because of Him. This is an uplifting post - just made me think about how true it is that its all because of Him really and i'm His instrument for everything. I pray for his divine favour and a stronger relationship with Him......

Jennifer A. said...

@Mwajim..yeah, even when we try to see how it would have ended up that way anyways, we find that it simply isn't true...lol. Have a great week as well :)

@LilMissThang...that's a powerful prayer you've just typed, and I e-join my hands boldly with you right now and AGREE. In Jesus' Name, Amen. It will be exactly as you say, and even more (exceed what you expect).

Anonymous said...

JAY, your words are always thought -provoking. Inwardly, i consider myself a failure because am not financially independent BUT, blessed are those who are poor in spirit that, they shall inherit the kingdom of GOD. MY BOLDNESS & CONFIDENCE ARE FROM HIM! Everyday, i see THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN MY DAILY ROUTINE. My NEEDS & NOT WANTS ARE MET , that even a friend made an observation on it! Truly am BLESSED!

Remi, United Kingdom said...

Jayceeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....ah I love the way you broke this down.

You see without God nothing is possible. When we take leaps over mountains, over the seemingly impossible and attain that position, that favour, that seat in high places; it is not by our power or might but by the spirit of God.

There is nothing that compares to having unshakable confidence on the inside, that comes from God! ah... God's favour is better than all the silver and gold.. cus it comes with wisdom, insight, understanding and supernatural progression...

I love this post oh... let me go spread it to everyone I know.. lol.
Hope you are doing good girl, have a tremendous week experiencing God's exceeding, abundantly above and beyond blessings and favour.
Much love, *hugs* x

Jennifer A. said...

@Nitty-gritty....yes u are. God's blessings transcend "financial freedom," although financial independence is an eventual blessing from God, especially if this is your heart's desire (so you WILL get there). Failure occurs when you STOP trying. Needless to say, this post speaks more about "insufficiency without God" rather than "insufficiency due to lack of money."

@Remi...I like the way you said, "unshakable confidence on the inside"---> which eventually shows on the outside.

Nike said...

wow!!

got referred here by favor's heart, and i must say, i'm glad. the beatitudes have always been somewhat of a mix of a puzzle and a comforting wonder. but....i've not exactly been able to understand it, at least enough. there always seems to be something eluding me. however, reading this.....i'd say i think i have a pretty good chance at getting this 'thing'. thanks for writing this. looking forward to the rest of the series.

kudos!!!

Myne said...

I'll be looking forward to the rest of the series definitely. This is a great teaching right here I have to tell you. God bless you Jaycee.

Jennifer A. said...

@Nike...we'll get through this together, I'm seriously praying I'll understand myself...grace :)

@Myne...amen.

AliceDCL said...

Never thought of the beatitudes in this way
thanks for shedding more light!!
looking forward to learning a lot
thanks

Rainyjoy said...

Zech 4:8- not by power nor by might but by my Spirit, thus says the Lord. yea, we all need to look to God as our helper and not to any man, its one sure way of having a successful journey in this christian faith.i always say this in my prayer, 'God do what only you can do so that at the end of the day, no man will share Your glory with You' ...
Jaycee, thanks 4 d revelation.. i give glory to God for your life n am so grateful to God for bringing you my way. you are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. remain blessed n a blessing to your generation ! Xx

DayDreamer said...

Hey Jaycee, yes I do! There was a period when I studied them and just lingered on "blessed are the meerk." The funny thing is I got tested in that area. There's something about when you've grasped something in Scripture and the enemy comes to test you.

Jennifer A. said...

@BBB...me too :)

@RainyJoy...so at the end of the day no one can share your glory with You... Powerful prayer, also shows that you ultimately know all the glory goes back to Him. We are NOTHING but clay in the Master Potter's hands. Amen, thank you so much :)

@Homie...tell me abt the testing part. Permit me to say that's the real koko of the matter, it's when things keep flying at you and you have a word, and you know that is the moment to act upon what you know...Grace

jhazmyn said...

Its just like the bible says....Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord...For me I have seen God qualify me for stuff I didn't think I qualified for and I have seen His boldness take the place of my own timidity...it awesome to say the least, to understand that with God...we transcend our wildest imaginations...I'm loving this serier already

jhazmyn said...

Its just like the bible says....Not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord...For me I have seen God qualify me for stuff I didn't think I qualified for and I have seen His boldness take the place of my own timidity...it awesome to say the least, to understand that with God...we transcend our wildest imaginations...I'm loving this serier already

Jennifer A. said...

@Jhazmyn...I like how you said, "I have seen His boldness take the place of my own timidity." That statement is so true in my life as well...

sosexy said...

Thank you for caring enough and coming over to my place,Really appreciate.

Jennifer A. said...

@Sosexy...it's my pleasure to join you on your journey :) (welcome again)

Kafo said...

i love this
i have seen the heading of True Celebrities in my email but i had no idea what it was about until read this one
can't wait to catch up on all the others one

poor in spirit: Eugene puts it like this "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."

K said...

Enlightening. It truly is important to go back to the original greek/hebrew meaning because some of the meaning gets lost in translation!
Btw I am new to your blog. And I LIKE! Keep up the good work hey.
P.S: I'm following!