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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Poor (08/29/24)
Questions

Look into the mirror and ask yourself, would I rather be rich with everything that money can buy at my fingertips—lacking anything in food, shelter, or things? My house would be a palace full of extravagance. My table is filled with delicacies from around the world. My closet would be like an uptown department store with hundreds of shoes, purses, and outfit selections. However, would having all these things lead to the kind of happiness that flows from the inside of my heart, or vice versa?

Would the sight of a butterfly fluttering in front of me give me a thrill? What about taking time to breathe the fragrance of a spring rain? I could travel worldwide to see the most historical sights, the manmade beauty—the glamor—or even now, fly to outer space.

Would I recognize my need to depend on God the Father, the Great Creator of the universe, the Author of my life story for my daily needs? Would I humbly acknowledge His blessings, even in the midst of my wealth? Would I take time to pray and offer thanksgiving? Would I see myself as rich or poor in His eyes?

Being poor offers a different set of circumstances. What would my living quarters be like—a one-room shack, a trailer, a cramped apartment? Would I even have enough food on the table three times a day? How many times a week would I need to wear the same outfit? What about my shoes? Would the heels of my boots be worn or give me blisters? What sights would I see before my eyes? Would I enjoy the little things of God? A butterfly? A rainbow in the sky? The laughter of my family and friends?

Would I recognize my need to depend on God the Father, the Great Creator of the universe, the Author of my life story, for my daily needs? Would I even praise Him for blessing me with the strength to endure my daily struggles? Would I pray and offer thanksgiving, acknowledging His provision in my life? Would I see myself as poor or rich in His eyes?

The fourth chapter of Luke explains how Satan tempted Jesus for forty days in the wilderness to fall on His knees and worship him. He then promised to give Jesus food and authority in all the kingdoms of the world.

Jesus rejected the devil’s offer. He chose to walk the dusty roads of the Holy Land to share God’s Good News. He had no home to call His own. He wore only the clothes on His back. He ate the food he found along His journey. Jesus saw the butterflies and smiled. He smelled the spring rain and the fragrant flowers along his path. He witnessed the promise of the rainbow His heavenly Father had given Noah hundreds of years before.

Did Jesus depend on God the Father, the Great Creator of the universe, the Author of His life story who met His daily needs? Did He praise God for blessing Him with the strength to endure the rejection of His people, the ability to heal, and to revive the dead? Did Jesus spend time in prayer? Did Jesus consider Himself as rich or poor?

Luke 6:20-23 (NKJV)

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said:
“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers
Did to the prophets.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
09/06/24
Such good questions.
Blessings
Catherine Green 
09/08/24
You have some great insights here. Your questions made me think! However, in my opinion, there were too many ‘would I’.
Using the ‘power of three’ tool is a good way to get the reader’s attention, particularly when asking questions. There is also an issue with tenses in the first paragraph. I think your understanding and ability to think beyond the surface has amazing potential. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Phil Drabble
09/08/24
Some interesting questions and quite a different angle.
If possible see if you can get someone to read your piece through before submitting it just to see how it sounds to them. I think we all struggle checking for fine detail because we think we know what it should say.. but as I said some great ideas here.
For example is there a difference between lacking anything and lacking nothing ?
“Would you rather” traditionally would have two alternate choices etc