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When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down
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and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
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"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
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"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
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"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
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"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
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"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
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"You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.