Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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    FAMILY THAT HAS TO BE BUILT UPON CHRIST

Genesis 48:1-16

Verse:14   But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head.......
…....................   even though  Manasseh was the firstborn.”.

  The book of Genesis related the name “Ephraim” to the Hebrew root meaning  “ to be fruitful”.  Jacob tells of the appearance of  God to him in Luz he adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children.  Jacob blessed Joseph – he puts Ephraim before Manasseh. The seed of Ephraim will become the multitude of nations. The children of Israel will come again into the land of their fathers. As firstborn, Joseph would receive a double portion of the inheritance. Jacob enacted the double portion by opting for Joseph's sons  to receive the same rights as his children.  Jacob was acting in faith as he blessed them. These blessings were the fulfillment of prophecies in each dividual and their future tribes.
                         We will consider general principles on how we can help our children walk in God's blessings as was Jacob's purpose in offering a patriarchial blessing. Certainly, this message directly applies to parents, but also indirectly to grandparents, future parents, and spiritual parents. As a general principle failure often comes from a lack of preparation for future parents. God promised to bless the nations through Jacob, and his blessing was invaluable.  Parents must remember that we are not the only ones who will contribute to our children's futures.  As children grow older, often teachers, friends, coaches, and pastors have more influence and therefore it is important for parents to be strategic in raising them. Relationships with Godly family members like grandparents, uncles, and aunts, we receive much of  God's grace and blessing, and also through other believers. Those who neglect the church or are only marginally connected will miss out on much of God's blessing.  
                         Similarly, parents bless their children by both giving them a heavenly Kingdom vision as well as opportunities to participate in it.  God is now completing his Kingdom plan by reaching the gospel to the nations, and Christ is going to return to the earth. The question is whether our children will participate. Jacob gave his grandsons a chance to participate, Joseph did not hinder it, and the sons accepted. They became two of the greatest tribes of Israel.

Prayer
O Lord our Master, help us to introduce our children to kingdom vision and give them the exposure to the blessings of grandparents, teachers, and pastors in their molding and strategic growth in you to receive the ultimate blessing. Amen...

Thought of the day
 Parents must remember that we are not the only ones who will contribute to our children's future blessings.

Dr.John K.Thomas  Tabor MTC


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