Jan. 1, 2009 - Blessing Your Children

"And I will bless those who bless you,and the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." ~ Genesis 12:3 (NASB)

Have you blessed your children lately?

Dec. 15, 2008 - Tongue Power in Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs instructs us concerning the proper use or abuse of our tongue.

Pro. 10:11-13a – The mouth of the righteous is a well of life. But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding

Pro. 10:18-19, 20a & 21a – Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

            In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his tongue is wise.

            The tongue of the wise is like choice silver. The lips of the righteous feed & guide many.

Pro. 11:13 – A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a

matter.

Pro. 12:13 & 18-19 – The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips. But the

righteous will come through (and out of) trouble.

            There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise

promotes health, bringing healing. The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a

lying tongue is but for a moment.

Pro. 15:1-2a, 4 & 23 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge properly.

            A gentle, wholesome tongue (with its healing power) is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

      A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season (at the right moment), how good it is!

Pro. 16:23-24 & 32 – The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his

lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

      He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his own spirit

than he who takes a city.

Pro. 17:14 & 27-28 – The beginning of strife is like when water first trickles (from a crack in a dam); therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and a quarrel starts.

      He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he keep his mouth shut he is considered perceptive, a man of understanding.

Pro. 18:7 – A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Pro. 25:11-12 – A word fitly spoken (the right words at the right time) is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring or ornament of fine gold, is a wise reproof to a listening and obedient ear.

Dec. 15, 2008 - How Do I Speak Blessings Over Someone?

According to Brain Howe, this is how you speak the blessing over others…

• Be Specific - Don’t generalize your thoughts…ie.”you’re so generous” - Give examples of when you have seen that person be generous and the impact it has made on your life.
• Speak Boldly - Look the person in the eyes, don’t mumble…don’t stop speaking even if it get’s a little awkward. Trust me it will get awkward because people aren’t used to people speaking to them in such a positive and specific way.
• If Possible, Do it Publically - It is amazing to watch the trickle down effect of speaking the blessing in public, whether it be around the table today or in a meeting at work. To watch others then pick up where you left off and praise the person you are speaking to is powerful.
• Do it often - Thanksgiving is a reminder that we should be thankful however what if Thanksgiving was just another day that we are thankful…instead of being the only day we actually express it?

At one time when my daughter was away at college, I couldn’t always reach her on the phone, so I kept a picture of her in my Bible. When it came time to give blessings, I would hold up the picture, and pray blessing to the photo.

At first, I asked the Lord to show me if that would really work. I had nothing to lose, so I tried it. The following day, my daughter called me and asked me what I had been praying for her because she felt a strong pull towards God like she never felt before. This was a confirmation to me THAT IT WORKS!!!

When I was able to reach my daughter on her cell phone, I gave blessings to her over the phone. It is as meaningful as if it is eye-to-eye, but the power of God's blessing over your child is very important. God blessed Abraham's seed. Therefore God blessed His children... why shouldn't we bless ours?