Matthew chapter 5 verses 1 through 12.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.

His disciples came to him and he began to teach them. He said,

Blessed are the poor and spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meat, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure and heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks.

The gym is packed.

The whole 30 is in.

The juice cleanse is alive and well.

The budget is tightened up.

Happy New Year, everybody.

Behind every face in this room is a resolution, a bright-eyed best intention,

represented by the new beginning that comes along with the turning of the calendar. We're all scheming and

planning our own blessing, a more ideal set of circumstances than the one we ended 24 with. And so

you might be interested to know that Jesus also has an opinion on where blessing can be found.

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