Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

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Claimed As His Own

In Genesis 48, Joseph brings his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, before his father Jacob to receive a blessing. At first, something interesting happens. Jacob looks at them and asks, “Who are these?”

He isn’t confused. He knows who they are. He has lived with them for years. But this moment is not casual. It is sacred. Jacob is about to release covenant blessing. So he slows down the moment. He invites Joseph to present his sons intentionally before God. Before blessing comes, there is always intention.

Joseph responds, “These are the sons God has given me.” Before anything else, he gives God the credit and that matters. Blessing flows best from thankful hearts.

Jacob then says, “Bring them to me.” They are already close—but now he invites them closer. Near is not the same as close. Close is personal. Close is intentional. Close is surrendered.

God invites us the same way. “Come closer.”

Jacob lays his hands on them. This reminds us that God’s blessing is personal. He doesn’t bless crowds—He blesses hearts. He knows your story. He knows your struggles. He knows your calling. And He meets you right where you are.

Then Jacob crosses his hands and blesses the younger son first. Joseph tries to correct him. But Jacob says, “I know what I’m doing.” God’s ways are often different than ours – He blesses in ways we don’t expect, through paths we wouldn’t choose, in seasons that stretch our faith, and He says to us, “Trust Me. I know what I’m doing.”

Jacob then speaks blessing over them. He declares their future. He calls out their identity. Words matter and God still does this today.

In Christ, He calls us forgiven, chosen, loved, called and equipped. We live from His voice, not the world’s labels.

Jacob also says, “They are mine.” He adopts them into the covenant family. They become his heirs. This is our story too. Through Jesus, we are adopted in, we belong, we are sons and daughters of God, we are no longer outsiders.

Finally, Jacob reminds them of God’s faithfulness. He connects them to the story of God’s promises. They are not just receiving a blessing – they are entering a legacy.

This is the pattern of covenant blessing:

We come before God intentionally.
We honor Him.
We draw near.
We receive personally.
We trust His ways.
We accept our identity.
We belong.
We walk in His promises.

God does not bless randomly – He blesses relationally. He draws us close. He marks us. He speaks over us then He sends us out changed. Hallelujah! 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, take five quiet minutes to intentionally come before God. Thank Him for what He has done. Ask Him to draw you closer.

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let Him speak into your life today.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for inviting me into deeper relationship with You. Help me come before You with humility and gratitude. Teach me to trust Your ways, receive my identity in Christ, and walk in Your promises. I want to live close to You. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.