Seize the Moment – Day 414
The Importance of Giving a Blessing!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, May 5.
Have you ever been prayed over by a parent or by a parent-figure in your life? Have you ever been in the position of authority over someone and prayed a blessing over them?
There is power in giving and receiving a blessing! Listen to Isaac bless his son Jacob in Genesis 27:27-29,
So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed; now may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and an abundance of grain and new wine; may peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you; be master of your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you.”
While this is a sordid story, there is something of great value that we can learn from it—the importance of giving a blessing!
A blessing, simple stated, is the giving of God’s favor. Here are three components of a blessing from Isaac’s blessing of Jacob:
- Use appropriate physical touch. As simple as a handshake, when it is appropriate and agreed upon by the other person, there is power in physical touch.
- Pray specific words of blessing over the person. Don’t just pray well-worn statements over them, but specifically apply the Word of God to the person and his/her life.
- Declare a hopeful future over the person. God is for us and our blessings should reflect God’s love for the person and His favor for their future. Be a hope-bearer in their life!
Seize the moment and be a person of blessing. Take time today to call someone or visit someone and give them this gift of faith, hope, and love.