Thursday 8/5/2021 Devotional by Pastor Dan Giles

And he blessed Joseph and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭48:15-16‬ A blessing is a form of prayer, where we have already asked certain things from God and been assured of His answer, and then we turn around and declare the things for which we have prayed over the person for whom we have been praying. In Genesis 50, Israel blessed each of his sons. He knew that what he declared over his children would come to pass, because he had been praying for them their whole life long. He spoke in faith, and so he prophesied the future of each of them - and of the tribe that would descend from each of them - according to the character of each one. When you have a chance to declare God’s blessing over your children or grandchildren, whether they are young children or older adults, approach it from this perspective of having watched each one grow and show his developing character and prayed him through his struggles. Speak words of encouragement that will turn his heart to God and declare good things from God according to his or her unique personality. Be aware that you are speaking from a place of parental authority from God and have in your mouth the power to broadly set the course of their lives. They will remember your words long after you are gone. Lord, You have put me in the scary position of blessing the next generation of Your children. Give me wisdom and insight as I pray for each one You bring to me. Help me to know and understand each one and encourage them in their walk with You, to turn their hearts toward You in faith. Give me the words as I pray for them so that I can be a blessing in their lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles