Blessing for the New Year

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Matthew 5:2-12 (NKJV)

And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blessing for the new year:

May you know the difference between humility and humiliation.  Humility brings the riches of the Kingdom into our lives.  Humiliation brings only shame.  May you be willing to mourn, to pour out your broken heart before the Lord.  Then the Comforter will calm your spirit and pour the balm of Gilead on your woundedness.  May you tread upon the earth gently for then it is yours.  May you stand always for that which is right in the eyes of God.  Then your destiny will be fulfilled.  May you continually pour out mercy upon others so that the Lord can continually pour out mercy upon you.  May you desire purity so that you can see and understand the things of God.  May you walk in His peace and share that peace with those around you.  May you be comforted in the knowledge that though others persecute you, you can still rejoice because He has overcome the world.  May you live your life in such a way that if others falsely accuse and vilify you, no one will believe them.  May this year be one full of rejoicing and gladness because of your trust in the true and living God.  Please note that the rejoicing comes first and then the gladness.  Rejoice until you are overflowing with gladness because the joy of the Lord is your strength.  

Declare that in spite of your circumstances and because of your relationship with your Savior, this year will be one filled with the fruit of the spirit being manifested in your life. Determine that during this year you will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).