The John Palm Show

Bless the children in your Church

Remember, in these posts we are throwing the Church 3 pitches. So far the count is 2 and 0 (that’s 2 strikes for you non-baseball types).

Here’s the 3rd pitch…

Blessing Children

The blessing is a powerful concept. Really it’s not just a concept, it’s truth. Abraham was blessed by God so that he could be a blessing to others. There’s a very strong idea of generational blessing woven throughout scripture.

• Abraham’s life was changed by a blessing.
• Jacob went to great lengths to steal a blessing.
• Jesus blessed children because “such is the kingdom of God”.
• And He even said those that offend (curse) the children should have something tied around their neck and thrown into the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

Buy - The Blessingby John Trent and Gary Smalley

Let’s begin with the opposite of blessing - a curse. Here is the definition of a curse:

A curse is the effective action of some power, distinguished solely by the quality of adversity that it brings.

A blessing is the polar opposite of a curse. Here are some types of blessings:

• Formal Blessing: to consecrate or sanctify by a religious rite; make or pronounce holy. Marriage Ceremony.
• Personal Blessing: to request of God the bestowal of divine favor on: Bless your beautiful family.
• Specific Blessing: to bestow good of any kind upon: May you home be blessed with peace.
• Protection Blessing: to protect or guard from evil (usually used interjectionally): Bless you! Bless your innocent little heart!
• Catholic Blessing: to make the sign of the cross over or upon: The Pope blessed the multitude.

Who wouldn’t want to be blessed? I do! Then why don’t we see more blessing in our Churches?

Reason: The fact is that most men have not been blessed. Not by their pastor. Not by other men. And sadly, not by their fathers.

Why does that matter? Because blessing others is caught not taught. If you have been given a blessing by someone, you know what I mean. A strong hand griping your shoulder. A quiet voice speaking gentle words.

John, you are a good father. Or John, you know you are just the kind of man God wants.

I have received a blessing like this from another man. Not a weak man. Not a wimpy man. But a man that knew the power of a blessing. And let me tell you… the words replayed in my brain for days. I sensed a power upon me. Nothing mystical. Something I will not forget.

Imagine what a blessing like this would mean to a child. The touch. The words. The intent. The blessing. It is strong.

Bless your children. Bless the children in your church body. You begin the process. Force yourself at first. It will get easier. Read a book about blessing here for 8 bucks.

And don’t be afraid to bless other men as well. It may be just what they need. The dividends are immeasurable (and completely tax free).

So you be the judge, my freind. Did the Church strike out? I hope yours didn’t.

May the Church embrace the very personal (read one on one) ministries of:

• Discipleship
• Prayers of Old Saints
• And Blessing the Children

Bless you dear reader. Amen.

<Note: This part 3 of a 3 part post. Go back if you missed parts 1 & 2>