A Father's Blessing

"May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm--may he bless these boys. May they be called my name and the names of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, and may they greatly increase upon the earth." Genesis 48:15-16

These verses ministered to me today because Jacob is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manesseh before he dies. Jacob prays to the God of his father Abraham (his Grandfather) and Issac (his Father). But then Jacob personalizes the blessing by saying that "the God who has been MY Shepherd all my life to this day..." Jacob had many personal encounters with God. He knew him personally and walked with him daily.

How important a Father's blessing is in the lives of his children but how much more important is the godly life that has been lived before them. The spiritual life of a Father is so very important. Jacob had an intimate relationship with his God. He knew that in order to have a blessed life, walking with God was the answer. There is no greater gift that you can pass down to the next generation than the gift of a Godly heritage. A life that has been lived close to God with leave you marked with greatness.

My goal is to love God fully and to walk with him all the days of my life. I myself have been given the gift of a godly heritage from my dad and mom. They both gave their lives to God at a young age and followed him faithfully. I am so thankful for this wonderful blessing in my life. I look forward to passing this same gift down to my children!