But Israel (Jacob) reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he 
was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head,
even though Manasseh was the firstborn. Genesis 48:14

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who,
being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to
his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he
humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians
2:5-8

There is so much power in blessing people!

When you choose to bless people and God there is an amazing amount of advancement
happening in the Kingdom of God. How do I know that? I know it because God was the first to
bless in the Bible. On top of that He instructed Moses in how Aaron was to bless the Israelites.
This is called the Aaronic Blessing (The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face
shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace).
Why is there so much power in those affirmation circles we have together time to time? Because
when we encourage (bless) people, we are doing the very thing that God does! Father God is the
ultimate blesser. Seriously, there is no one that comes close.

Here’s how I know. In Genesis 48:14 Jacob blesses his grandson’s, Ephraim and Manasseh, by
laying his hands on their heads and speaking a blessing over them. BUT instead of placing his
right hand on the older brother, he crosses his hands so that his right hand is on the younger
brother, Ephraim. In Jewish tradition, the older brother always was blessed with the Father’s right
hand because it was a sign of greater authority. That’s why Joseph tries to switch Jacob’s hands
back to the usual position.

Without fully knowing what he was doing, Jacob was prophetically blessing his
grandchildren the way that Father God would bless us.

Through the Godhead’s (The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) work on the cross, He transferred the
firstborn blessing that the Son deserved and gave it to us. If that wasn’t crazy enough, He then
took what we deserved (punishment and separation from Him) and placed it on His Son. DID I
NOT SAY THAT GOD IS THE ULTIMATE BLESSER?!Then check this out, Paul tells us that Christ
did not seek equality with God even though He was in very nature God Himself! He humbly accepted
the work on the cross, trusting His Father’s blessing plan. What do you think the Father did for
Him in return? He exalted Him to the absolute highest place!

We are to have the same mindset. Whenever we see someone else being blessed, getting a gift,
etc., we should bless them! We don’t have a pity party and talk about how it’s not fair. Instead,
we bless because it’s what Jesus did for us on the cross (Father forgive them, for they know not
what they do). We do it with the strength provided through His love for us and in due time He will
bless us!

Who are you not blessing in life: That driver that cut you off? The president? The country? Your
family? Whoever or whatever it is – CHOOSE TO BLESS! You will channel the Father’s heart of
love through your actions and words and it will reach those around you.

God bless,
Brice