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Phillipa Williams
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Winning The Battle to Be Blessed

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TODAY’S BLESSING – GENESIS 49:1-2

Faced with the coming of his last days, Jacob gathered his sons to speak prophetically into theirs. The Bible calls these proclamations, “blessings”, although several would not meet our modern criteria for the same.

Some of these utterances must have been hard to hear.

Some may be hard for us to hear.

But there is a blessing for each of us in every one.

Battles and Blessings

“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;

listen to your father Israel. ~Genesis 49:2, New International Version

Long before these words were spoken Jacob found himself wrestling all night long with the angel of God. Afterwards, the Mighty God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, meaning “He turns the head of God”. What a perfect name for one who lived a life of infamy always struggling to move from trickster to trusted.

That’s who is speaking this prophetic utterance; a trickster now trusted. Someone who has been there and done that. Throughout the Bible, we continue see him referenced as both Jacob and Israel, implying that the struggle continued. So, it stands to reason that his seed would continue the cycle of rebellion in similar ways.

And yet, they were blessed.

Blessed to be chosen.

Blessed to be under God’s covering.

Blessed with opportunity after opportunity to get it right.

Just like their dad.

God wants you and I to do better, to be better in the new year.

Isn’t it time to go get what Heaven has for us?

It is my prayer that as we explore this and the other twelve blessings, we lean in and learn how be prepare for the blessings we say we want in the new year.

The Last Shall be First, and the First Shall Be Last

“Reuben, you are my firstborn,

my might, the first sign of my strength,

excelling in honor, excelling in power.

Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,

for you went up onto your father’s bed,

onto my couch and defiled it. ~Genesis 49: 3-4 NIV

Father…

Thank you for not looking at our position, pedigree, or prowess when you bless us. Thank you for not looking at our accomplishments or accolades. We don’t have to fit the world’s criteria to be blessed by you. Instead, your only requirement is a clean heart and a right spirit which can be found anywhere and in anyone. Lord, turn your head towards us. Bless us with your omniscient capacity to see our intentions. Give us the protection that comes with obedience, and the chastisement that comes when we stray. We declare that we are first not last because we are compelled by your Spirit to do better and to be better. Calm our turbulence so we might receive this opportunity for glory in the new year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The blood of Jesus has ingrafted all who believe into the coverage and blessings of God. Join me as we look at how the prophetic utterances of Jacob upon his sons in Genesis 49 speak life into our dreams and aspirations today!

Tomorrow’s Blessing:

Deliverance from ANGER

Be sure to check your email each afternoon for a new prayer!

The GOD ‘n Me Guide to FASTING

Make this year’s fast a transformational experience!

“Sista, are you comfortable with the “you” GOD created? When will you let her come out and play? Or are you going to allow scrutiny and judgement to paralyze the best in you?”

~ From the chapter titled, “The Truth About You”

NO MORE HESITATION

IN THE NEW YEAR!

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