Jesus often preached on our attitudes. We know because Matthew and Luke both credited Jesus’ sermons with an introduction to attitudes. These attitudes are what make the Kingdom of God function upon the Earth. So, kingdom living requires an attitude adjustment. Jesus began with the attitude of poverty

Only Beggars Need Apply. What exactly do you have? What do you possess that is so valuable that you could trade it for say, a meeting with God and His approval? Your health, wealth, or fame?. What could you trade for your soul?

Poverty Means You can’t Take Care of Yourself. You CAN’T be your own answer. It means I need something and I can’t get it; only someone else can give it to me. And, it has to be given to me because I have nothing to trade. Have you ever been in that position?

The Poor of Spirit are completely and desperately dependent upon God the Father. Think of blind Bartimeaus, the woman caught in adultery, or Lazarus in a grave. They are all me in this world without Jesus.

Where is Your Dependence? Are you wealthy here or there? If it is here, then you are poor. Financial resources can be erased so quickly. Your health could evaporate overnight. Your marriage could be over and you don’t know it yet. Your job or career could end tomorrow for a multitude of reasons. There is nothing on this earth that you can count on.

- Do you ever have a bad attitude? When and Why? Are there some things that trigger your attitude that you could share with the group?

- How does the proper attitude of poverty satisfy us? How does it help us?

How are We Storing Treasures? What do you place your security in? You see, that is what earthly riches are about, security. A safe with cash, precious metals, bullets, and guns. An account with a comma or two or three. A great career and lots of certifications to keep you employable. Lots of connections and friends. BUT, there is nothing secure about them.

All of these are attempts at self-sufficiency. They are merely ways to be our own supply. There is no security on this earth. There is the illusion of security. But, it only takes a relatively small tragedy to erase it.

Where are We Storing Treasures? So, where is your treasure? Where is your heart? What do you fear losing? Certainly, there are losses worthy of grief. But, the Father is good and will care for those truly precious things. The more we give to Him, the more we secure.

I only know a few ways to save in the banks of Heaven. Giving - God honors giving. money, time, or sacrifice. He promises to return far more than is given. Prayer- Your prayers ascend to Heaven's Altar and will one day be on display for all. Tears - God apparently saves them for you. That way they can all be done away with in might celebration. AndWorship - Our worship is eternal. It inhabits far more than the moment it fills.

Secure Investments. The Father will not let you down. He will come through for you. One day you will look back on this life and realize that God was always faithful. He never let you down. Sure, you suffered. Your faith was tested. But, you will have come through it.

- Why is it hard to store up treasures on earth? Why is it hard to store them in Heaven?

- How could we transfer our wealth to heaven where it is safe?

Focused or Scattered. James talks about a “double-minded” man, and this is where he got the idea. The language here lends to the idea of focus. Imagine getting light into a house. You must somehow focus the light through a window or opening. That’s the idea here. We are either focusing light in, or we are scattering light. When we scatter the light, we are unable to get it within.

Jesus ties this idea to having two masters. God and materialism. We cannot serve both. Sure you can make an income or build a business, but you cannot make them your God. They cannot replace God as your source, provision, and supply. This is not how Kingdom people live and operate.

Your Vision Will Be Your Master. We see what we actively look for. You may have never even wanted a Tesla, but now you are interested in one. Before you were unaware that anyone owned one, now they are everywhere. This is how we work. It’s how God made us, to move toward what we see. We either earnestly seek God or we suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

So what will it be? God or you? Your poverty for his wealth. Or your illusions for your own advancement. Are you someone in need? Or do you take care of yourself? What should you do?

Where is Your Faith? What do you fear? Your fear will tell you where your idols live. When you find them, let them go, and depend fully upon God. Give your security on Earth to God. Then ask yourself, “How do I put God’s Kingdom first?” You see, that is what makes the disciples of Jesus unique. It’s not my house, not my church, not my possessions, or my Kingdom. It is God’s Kingdom first and foremost. So, what does that look like in your life?

- What are some evidences of living life with two masters? How could we focus on God?

- What are some practical ways to put God’s Kingdom first?